YouSaid · the spoken record

Suescum

lines on the record: 150
first: 2007-03-15
most recent: 2008-12-31
sittings or episodes: 34
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

“On the subject of Lebanon, we await the presidential elections of next month. It is extremely important that these elections be carried out with transparency and in line with the constitution, in an atmosphere of peace. Equally important is that the results under these conditions be accepted by all Lebanese parties and the international community. The solution to the situation in Lebanon and lasting peace in the region resides in the establishment of a government of Lebanese unity that will bring an end to the political stagnation that has kept the country down for almost an entire year.”
2007-08-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5736 (2007) · source
“However, Hamas must be a responsible actor in the process that would lead to the eventual creation of a viable Palestinian State. As long as it fails to accept that the solution to the Palestine question is one of two States, Palestine and Israel, living side by side in peace, Hamas will remain an obstacle to national unity and, as such, will not be able to participate in the peace process. Israel, too, can and should do much to carry the process forward. It should put an end to the illegal construction of the Wall and the settlements in the West Bank. In addition, it should permit a better flow of essential goods into the Gaza Strip and prevent its impending economic collapse. The creation of a viable Palestinian State presupposes a stable Gaza Strip. Actions demonstrating Israel's good will would help tremendously in this regard.”
2007-08-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5736 (2007) · source
“The second course, which would appear to have already been selected by some stakeholders in the process, consists of a two-pronged policy of supporting the Government of President Abbas in the West Bank and isolating Hamas in Gaza. Our delegation expresses its disagreement with any policy that exacerbates the division of the Palestinian Authority. This Council has called for unity and national reconciliation through inclusive dialogue and, likewise, we encourage the main protagonists in the peace process to promote national unity in Palestine through all diplomatic channels available including opening channels of dialogue with Hamas. Hamas represents a considerable proportion of the Palestinian population, and this representation cannot be excluded from the Palestinian Government.”
2007-08-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5736 (2007) · source
“Mr. Suescum (Panama) (spoke in Spanish): My delegation would like to thank Mr. Williams for his briefing and his significant work on the Middle East and we wish him success in his future endeavours. The news he gave us of progress made in the discussions between President Abbas and Prime Minister Olmert is very positive, but the general situation remains serious. We are concerned that particular stances taken by some members of the international community may represent, what Mr. Williams calls, "factors that may derail long-term endeavours and efforts". Regarding the Palestine-Israel peace process, the international community, in our view, has two paths before it. The first is to seek new Palestinian unity and support a two-State solution involving the entire Palestinian population.”
2007-08-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5736 (2007) · source
“Without concrete efforts to increase the participation of women as stakeholders in, and beneficiaries of, the prevention of conflict, we diminish the value of the good offices of a sector of the population that, as often the primary victims of the ravages of violence, have a great deal of experience to bring to bear in preventing violence. Justice is also an essential component of peace, reconciliation and the prevention of conflict. We would therefore emphasize the need for Governments and political actors to strengthen and respect the institutions needed to ensure the rule of law, as well as to cooperate fully with the work of international tribunals. In conclusion, in Africa in particular, international cooperation is essential in combating and controlling the illicit trade in small arms and light weapons.”
2007-08-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5735 (2007) · source
“One of the principal aims of preventive action should be to address the deep- rooted socio-economic, cultural, environmental, institutional and other structural causes that often underlie the immediate political symptoms of conflicts." (5/2001/5 74, executive summary) It is unfortunate that the efforts of the Security Council tend initially to address root causes during the post-conflict period, whether through integrated missions or the Peacebuilding Commission. The time has come to consider the desirability of extending, redesigning or commingling existing mechanisms to step up the use of the Council's preventive efforts. Lastly, I should like, in a general way, to touch upon some particularly important factors in preventing conflict in Africa. It is important to redouble efforts to implement resolution 1325 (2000).”
2007-08-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5735 (2007) · source
“The role provided for in Chapter VIII of the Charter for regional arrangements has been strengthened by recent agreements between these two organizations. These agreements bear witness to the emergence in the United Nations of a culture of prevention that has given rise to new instruments and mechanisms. However, a divide still exists between aspirations and reality. As the Secretary-General said today, and as his report (S/2001/574) of 7 June 2001 on the prevention of armed conflict indicates, "Preventive action should be initiated at the earliest possible stage of a conflict cycle in order to be most effective.”
2007-08-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5735 (2007) · source
“This Council and the Assembly should redouble efforts to facilitate the success of the measures provided for under Chapter VI of the Charter for the peaceful settlement of disputes, given the human consequences inherent in any conflict. Contrary to a very well-known quote, conflicts are not diplomacy by other means. On the contrary, they are the result of the failure of diplomacy or of dialogue that was undertaken without due seriousness. The increase in the number of peace missions is a troubling indicator of an increasing number of such failures. Both the General Assembly and the Council can and should strengthen mechanisms for the prevention and peaceful solution of conflict. In the case of Africa, systematic cooperation between the United Nations and the African Union is on the agenda.”
2007-08-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5735 (2007) · source
“Mr. Suescum (Panama) (spoke in Spanish): Before starting, I would like to welcome the Secretary- General to this Chamber. I would also like to welcome Ambassador Merores, sitting in for the President of the General Assembly, and Ambassador Christian as Acting Chairman of the Organizational Committee of the Peacebuilding Commission. Welcome to all. If you permit me, Mr. President, I would also like to thank you for taking the initiative to organize this important debate. The responsibility for resolving disputes and preventing a conflict rests, as a founding principle of this Organization, in the first place with the States party to a conflict. Achieving peace, however, depends to a large extent on our commitment to the architecture of collective security that we have brought together in the United Nations.”
2007-08-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5735 (2007) · source
“We could then, as our countries declared in 1945 when signing the United Nations Charter, promote "social progress and better standards of life in larger freedom".”
2007-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5705 (2007) · source
“But that should not prevent the international community from using mechanisms such as the Peacebuilding Commission to be more active in promoting greater monitoring and transparency and to monitor the actions of public and private actors. The lessons drawn from recent initiatives to minimize the transfer of resources in conflicts involve identifying ways and means to reinforce those initiatives in a context appropriate for the Council. One controversial point involves the disregard of sanctions imposed by the Council. Although progress has been made in drafting so-called targeted sanctions, we need to consider what actions might be devised for those who violate those provisions.”
2007-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5705 (2007) · source
“Through cooperation among non-governmental organizations, the international community and private enterprise, valuable initiatives have begun to reduce the illegal trafficking of natural resources and to normalize the actions of Governments and private enterprise in the exploitation of mineral and natural resources. For example, the Kimberley Process can take pride in the fact that today 99 per cent of the diamonds in circulation are conflict-free. That success and others like it should encourage us to meet new challenges. Unfortunately, instruments such as the Kimberley Process are voluntary commitments, and there is a real danger that their implementation will not be made a priority.”
2007-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5705 (2007) · source
“But limiting oneself to reaction alone does not fulfil the preventive responsibility of the Council Vis-a-vis threats to international peace and security. At an initial stage, it is up to Governments to ensure participatory and inclusive management of their natural wealth, for the purpose of ensuring that ambition does not lead to conflict. The Council must then cooperate with Governments and promote their efforts to achieve greater levels of transparency and responsibility and to prevent situations in which families are uprooted from their homes, millions of deaths occur and cruelty runs rampant.”
2007-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5705 (2007) · source
“Mr. Suescum (Panama) (spoke in Spanish): The decision by the Belgian Government to introduce the item of today's discussion to the international community is an acknowledgment of the important correlation that we frequently find between natural resources and armed conflicts. Abundance, while it is an important element for peace and security, can also be a heavy burden if its fruits are not invested in the future, or if States do not ensure that its benefits belong to the people in general, through the transparent regulation of political counterweights and State institutions. The Council has dealt with violent disputes where the exploitation of resources has fuelled brutality and disregard for the most basic human rights.”
2007-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5705 (2007) · source
“The Prosecutor mentioned steps that have been undertaken to protect and relocate witnesses. It would be interesting to know a little more about the projections being considered for after 2009 in cases such as the post-appeal process, adequate treatment of prisoners and victims, the conservation of documents, guaranteeing that these documents would be accessible, and so forth.”
2007-06-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5690 (2007) · source
“Moreover, as mentioned by the Prosecutor, the Court has been the first to deal with various types of crimes under international law, as well as crimes against humanity and war crimes. The overall success and effectiveness of the Special Court in its mission to tackle impunity through the trials of those who are primarily responsible is an important example to be followed in Africa as well as in other regions. In the period remaining before the Special Court until December 2009, it will be important for it to be able to guarantee that its work is in accordance with the highest standards of international law. Therefore, it is crucial for the international community to provide the necessary resources to the Court. Furthermore, a trial is very similar to an election, where after the outcome there is still much work left to be done.”
2007-06-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5690 (2007) · source
“Mr. Suescum (Panama) (spoke in Spanish): I would like to express my gratitude for the detailed briefings and information given by the President of the Special Court and the Prosecutor, and also the information given by the Deputy Secretary-General. Panama would like to take advantage of this opportunity to acknowledge the essential work done by the Special Court and its vital contribution to the establishment of the rule of law in Sierra Leone and in the subregion. We cannot overlook the contribution that the Court has made to jurisprudence on questions such as the legal effects of the amnesty called for in the Lome Peace Agreement, or the irrelevance of the status of head of State or the jurisdiction of special courts in accordance with international law.”
2007-06-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5690 (2007) · source
“Finally, regarding Somalia, we reiterate our request for the prompt and complete deployment of African Union (AU) troops so that the Ethiopian troops can withdraw from Somalia territory and so that the AU troops can support Ugandan troops in the reduction of hostilities. In Somalia as well as in Uganda, we have seen the need for a thoroughgoing exchange among the parties involved, for it is only through dialogue that a lasting solution can be found in these sad conditions. We again urge a political solution to that crisis through the successful installation of the national reconciliation congress in Somalia. As for Uganda, we urge that the opportunity involved in this new round of negotiations not be wasted.”
2007-05-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5677 (2007) · source
“We call on the parties to increase the representation of women in the negotiation process in Juba. It is essential to combat impunity in all these contexts. Respect for international human rights standards should not be negotiable. As Mrs. Louise Arbour, the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, has pointed out, any agreement reached between the Lord's Resistance Army and the Republic of Uganda must be consistent with international law and must rule out any amnesty for war crimes, crimes against humanity, genocide and serious human rights violations. In 2005 our heads of State were emphatic in that respect. The United Nations also has the responsibility to use diplomatic, humanitarian and other appropriate peaceful means to help protect populations from those crimes.”
2007-05-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5677 (2007) · source
“Given that sad reality, and as a bitter epilogue to the hostilities, there is the common denominator of serious violations of international humanitarian law. The most recent report of the Secretary-General on children and armed conflict in Somalia (S/2007/259) draws a devastating picture. In Uganda, the reluctant involvement of children in the conflict has even darker nuances. In addition to being direct victims, boys and girls are hostages in conflicts that systematically recruit them as actors. While these practices persist, the commitment of the authorities and the other parties involved, and those responsible for holding them, will remain in doubt. We wish to avail ourselves of this opportunity to reiterate the part played by women in conflict resolution.”
2007-05-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5677 (2007) · source
“In the absence of any lasting prospect for peace, the survivors want to avoid, at any cost, being caught in crossfire if hostilities resume. That is understandable, given that the tension could turn into unrest with little difficulty. Mr. Holmes' report shows that the outbreaks of violence continue. He gave us examples of incidents on 12 May, which unfortunately cut his trip to Somalia short. He also told us about the atrocious attack, only four days later, that cost the lives of four Ugandan soldiers in that country. This all demonstrates the violent reality. There are also reports of outrages against minority merchants in Mogadishu by the municipal authorities themselves. In the context of such daily violence, efforts for genuine reconciliation will be few and far between.”
2007-05-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5677 (2007) · source
“It is imperative that the international community provide more collaboration and financial assistance to supply, in both countries, a minimum level of humanitarian conditions and thus successfully stabilize the region. At the same time, it is equally imperative that Governments eliminate all obstacles to the effective development of humanitarian operations. Today's report by Mr. Holmes has provided some examples of those obstacles. With regard to Somalia, many displaced persons refrained from returning to areas under military control in Mogadishu, as they have been scared off by the recent skirmishes. As a first step towards resolving this problem, the Government must recognize the magnitude and nature of the humanitarian crisis. It will also have to redouble its efforts to hold the inclusive national reconciliation congress.”
2007-05-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5677 (2007) · source
“Mr. Suescum (Panama) (spoke in Spanish): First, we wish thank Mr. John Holmes for his visit to Somalia on 12 May and for his excellent report on the humanitarian situation in Uganda. Similarly, we wish to recognize the efforts led by Mr. Francois Loseny Fall in Somalia and Mr. Joaquim Chissano in the areas affected by the Lord's Resistance Army. We note that the climate remains tense and volatile, although the humanitarian situation shows some signs of improving in both countries. We are glad to hear that the citizens of Mogadishu and in the north of Uganda are slowly returning to their homes, which is a hopeful first step. Unfortunately, their return is encountering many obstacles, as Mr. Holmes as told us today.”
2007-05-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5677 (2007) · source
“We repeat that peace in Lebanon must go through a political process for national unity and that that in turn will require the establishment of the special international tribunal. We deplore actions on the ground and in the air that Violate Security Council resolutions and block the road to peace. Finally, we wish to join the chorus of congratulations and thanks to Mr. Alvaro de Soto for his great work.”
2007-04-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5667 (2007) · source
“On top of all that is a peace process that is not taking off. All that erodes the trust of the Palestinians in Israel and their expectations that a solution to their statehood will be found through a political process. We urge the Israeli Government to relax the restrictive measures they have imposed on the Palestinian people in the occupied territory, including East Jerusalem. We also urge the Israeli Government to end restrictions on movement, in particular to stop the construction of the illegal separation wall - that should be dismantled - in order to give some kind of normality to the lives of Palestinians. With regard to Lebanon, we are concerned about the ongoing political stalemate, despite some hopeful signs of dialogue among the parties. We urge the parties to continue with those efforts.”
2007-04-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5667 (2007) · source
“We also call upon the Palestinian Authority, and in particular the Hamas Government, to urge factions to be prudent and respectful of the ceasefire with Israel. We welcome initial reports that that has already occurred, but we wish to reiterate that the political commitment of the Palestinian Authority to the peace process will not be credible if the Palestinian Authority cannot prevent acts of violence carried out by their armed factions. We are still concerned about the precarious conditions in which Palestinians are living in some parts of the occupied territory. Restrictions on movement of persons and the building of illegal settlements in the territories are serious violations of human rights and of international law, and they exacerbate the frustration of the Palestinian people over the occupation.”
2007-04-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5667 (2007) · source
“The kidnappings of Corporal Gilad Shalit and BBC correspondent Alan Johnston - along with the absence of proof that Mr. Johnston is still alive - have created a climate of insecurity in Palestinian territory and demonstrate that some Palestinian factions have very little desire for peace. We urge that the two kidnapping victims be freed without delay or preconditions. Unilateral actions by the Israeli Government deprive Palestinians of normal lives and hinder the peace process. In some cases, those actions amount to violations of human rights and international law. Repeated deadly incursions into Palestinian territory, such as the one that occurred this past weekend, lead to the deaths of innocent Palestinian civilians. We reiterate our request to Israel that it halt its military incursions into Palestinian territory.”
2007-04-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5667 (2007) · source
“We are concerned that those discussions could result only in gestures that could in the end be empty, if the parties do not take advantage of them to discuss the most central issues that are impeding a peace agreement. Those issues pertain to the borders of a Palestinian State, refugees and jurisdiction over Jerusalem. In particular, the parties must move towards a definition of a political horizon that will give the Palestinian and Israeli peoples something to hope for in the future. That would make it easier for all Palestinian factions to commit themselves to the peace process. Events on the ground continue to prevent the establishment of an atmosphere conducive to fostering trust among the parties and to a final peace agreement. Continued attacks from Gaza by Palestinian militants threaten Israeli civilians on an almost daily basis.”
2007-04-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5667 (2007) · source
“Such acceptance would facilitate the diplomatic work of those engaged in the peace process by sending a clear signal to the international community that the entire Palestinian people is committed to a solution based on two States living side by side in peace and security. The efforts made by United States Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice with President Abbas and Prime Minister Olmert have also been important. As a result of those efforts, President Abbas and Prime Minister Olmert have decided to meet every two weeks. Although those meetings have not yet produced practical results, the alternative of not meeting would constitute yet another impediment to reaching a fair solution to the Palestinian issue and the problems of the entire region.”
2007-04-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5667 (2007) · source
“Mr. Suescum (Panama) (spoke in Spanish): We would like to thank you, Mr. President, and your delegation, for organizing today's debate. We also wish to thank Mr. Pascoe for the information he provided to the Council today. Since our last debate on this item, several political initiatives by regional and international actors - in particular the United States, Saudi Arabia, the League of Arab States and the Secretary-General - have kept the Middle East peace process alive. Last month's Arab Summit was a productive one. We support the renewed commitment of the region to the Arab Peace Initiative, whose basic principle - land for peace - could prove to be an important factor in establishing lasting peace between Israel and its neighbours. We urge the Palestinian Authority to officially endorse the Initiative.”
2007-04-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5667 (2007) · source
“That is an important contribution to resolving international disputes. At the operational level, those organizations - as the Organization of American States has done in some cases, for example - provide logistical support and even carry out joint operations and co-deploy forces in areas of conflict. It is essential to keep channels of communication between the United Nations and regional agencies open in order to maintain and enrich dialogue. Better cooperation and coordination between those agencies, the United Nations and the Security Council will in future affect the ability of the international community to comply with the call of Chapter VIII of the Charter - that we first resort to regional agencies before putting various crises on the agenda of the Security Council.”
2007-03-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5649 (2007) · source
“In addition, the United Nations must promote the logistical capacity of institutions entrusted with the various aspects of peacekeeping operations. We consider it particularly important to explore new financing schemes for joint operations that would make it possible for African States to defray a larger part of the costs. It is also important for the United Nations to continue to support African Union initiatives to promote national dialogue and reconciliation, at the initiative of the parties in conflict. As we have said, regional organizations have a comparative advantage in this area. Moreover, those comparative advantages mean that the transfer of knowledge can and must go both ways. The Council periodically invites regional agencies to advise it or to submit reports.”
2007-03-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5649 (2007) · source
“The United Nations and the Security Council in particular must provide support and cooperation with respect to such efforts. Cooperation with the African Union must also be based on recognition of not only its capabilities but also of its responsibilities, and account must be taken of the need to develop its capacity to discharge such responsibilities. Of course, that principle applies to other regional organizations as well. The United Nations must continue to support improvements in the capacity of the African Union to prevent and resolve conflicts and to maintain regional peace and security. That must involve training military and civilian personnel, including the police component, in order to facilitate the transformation of multilateral missions into regional missions.”
2007-03-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5649 (2007) · source
“It has reaffirmed the importance of such joint efforts in a number of resolutions, including resolution 1625 (2005). Cooperation between regional organizations and the United Nations involves a recognition of their complementarity and of the comparative advantages of each. Regional organizations can often be more effective than the United Nations in responding to threats on the ground given that they have a better understanding of the specificities of such threats to regional peace and security. However, the operational scope of regional organizations is restricted by a lack of logistical and financial resources which limits its activities over the long term. Among regional organizations, the African Union in particular has taken major steps towards playing a greater role in the context of regional peace and security.”
2007-03-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5649 (2007) · source
“Article 52 of the Charter states that Members of the United Nations "shall make every effort to achieve pacific settlement of local disputes through such regional arrangements or by such regional agencies before referring them to the Security Council." In fact, with the passage of time, regional institutions have, out of necessity, played a key role in world politics. In the current context of globalization, all political, economic and social phenomena can have a regional component and impact. The United Nations has developed a series of approaches to this issue that include cooperation agreements with regional organizations. The Security Council in particular has worked jointly with regional organizations in the maintenance of peace.”
2007-03-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5649 (2007) · source
“The General Assembly may, within certain limitations relating to the Council's responsibilities, consider and make recommendations on the general principles governing cooperation in the maintenance of international peace and security, and may also discuss any issue related to the maintenance of international peace and security that is brought before it for consideration by any Member of the United Nations. The drafters of the Charter of the United Nations also foresaw the importance of regional organizations in the settlement of conflicts, as such organizations are often in the best position to find and promote innovative and lasting solutions to conflicts.”
2007-03-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5649 (2007) · source
“Mr. Suescum (Panama) (spoke in Spanish): Madam President, at the outset I wish to join others who have preceded me in taking the floor to congratulate you on having convened this debate, which is very timely given the present context of the Security Council's work. I should also like to welcome your presence here with us. In considering the item before the Council today, we should bear in mind that the international community has entrusted the United Nations with responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security. Within this Organization, this task is shared by the General Assembly and the Security Council. The Council has primary responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security.”
2007-03-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5649 (2007) · source
“We will have to strengthen protection for UNAMA staff. We support the appeal made to the international community today by Mr. Koenigs for an increased commitment to Afghanistan. All the good will in the world is not sufficient to pay professors, heat homes or train police. All those are elements of the daily lives of the Afghan people, who do not yet enjoy even a semblance of stability and normalcy. Continued financing by the international community is essential to achieving a stable and prosperous Afghanistan, enjoying good governance that protects human rights for all under the rule of law.”
2007-03-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5641 (2007) · source
“We believe that it is necessary for the JCMB to strengthen its ties with the various institutions, so as to promote a sense of ownership over the Compact. Finally, we would like once again to express our gratitude for the considerable work done by UNAMA staff, and especially by the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Afghanistan and his predecessors. When we debate the extension of UNAMA's mandate, the delegation of Panama will support extending it for 12 months. In the coming year, we would like to see greater efforts to combat overall corruption, so as to promote trust among the Afghan people in their institutions and to eliminate anything that might attract people to the insurgency. We would also like to see efforts redoubled to improve the condition of women and children, as well as the humanitarian situation overall.”
2007-03-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5641 (2007) · source
“That coordination is key to success and nourishes the spirit of the Afghanistan Compact. Nevertheless, we believe that the Compact, despite its sincere and laudable goals, has not set clear priorities. That has led to inefficient deployment of efforts and a far-from-optimal disbursement of funds. Lastly, we encourage the JCMB to establish a framework of priorities for the various goals and timelines of the Compact, so as to make it a more efficient tool and speed up the attainment of its goals. In addition, we are concerned about the perception that various Afghan State institutions, such as the National Assembly, have been marginalized in the process of planning and implementing some of the Compact's objectives.”
2007-03-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5641 (2007) · source
“We urge the Government of Pakistan to redouble its efforts, in steadfast accordance with international law and human rights, to deny access to Pakistani territory to those who organize and carry out attacks against security forces in Afghanistan. In addition, we urge the Government of Afghanistan to take constructive steps with regard to its border dispute with Pakistan, as well as to resume dialogue with its neighbour in order to reach an agreement on borders. For its part, the international community should be more vigilant in ensuring that insurgent and destabilizing forces do not have access to financing, weapons or other elements that feed violence. The Joint Coordination and Monitoring Board (JCMB) is the primary mechanism for coordinating the efforts of the international community and Afghan institutions.”
2007-03-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5641 (2007) · source
“At the same time, the products generated by those programmes should receive preferential access to markets, so as to establish a virtuous circle involving production, markets and sufficient capital to reinvest in production. Foreign support for the Taliban is one of the major obstacles to the reconstruction process and to a stable Afghanistan, which should be the goal of everyone in the region, but especially of neighbouring countries. We welcome the meetings that have been held by the Tripartite Commission. Any improvement in assistance, cooperation and coordination of operations on the ground is a great step forward.”
2007-03-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5641 (2007) · source
“In the course of the past year we have been able to witness the link between a record poppy crop and violence in the south of the country, where the largest fields are found. The new report of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime is of great concern to us. It indicates that the production of opium in Afghanistan in 2007 could grow by almost 60 per cent over that of the previous year. According to the report, the vicious circle involving the sale of drugs, the financing of insurgency and terrorism and support for drug trafficking is stronger than ever. Programmes to promote Viable alternatives to the poppy should be strengthened and better funded and coordinated.”
2007-03-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5641 (2007) · source
“Those initiatives must be strategic and forward-looking, and not aimed solely at rectifying the situation in the short term. The establishment of the Policy Action Group was an excellent initiative to address the crisis of violence. Nevertheless, it is with certain reservations that we welcome some of the programmes being implemented by the Group - in particular the Afghan National Auxiliary Police. We are concerned about the capacity of a police force whose members receive only 10 days of training. Also of great importance is the screening process for Auxiliary Police recruits, which must be vigorous so as to ensure that the Government of Afghanistan does train local militias. Finally, we urge the Policy Action Group to incorporate the Auxiliary Police force into the regular Afghan police force as soon as possible.”
2007-03-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5641 (2007) · source
“We have been told that the Taliban are preparing new, reinforced attacks against national and international security forces. We were pleased to hear the information about preparations for an offence against insurgents, which will no doubt begin when spring arrives. We are grateful to Governments that have sent or pledged reinforcements for the southern region of the country, where violence is more widespread. We also encourage other preparations in that regard. The reconstruction process in the south can begin in earnest only when there is peace and stability in the provinces there. The most serious problem confronting the Government and people of Afghanistan is the violence generated by the insurgency carried out by the Taliban and other illegally armed groups. We support initiatives to stem the problem.”
2007-03-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5641 (2007) · source
“Mr. Suescum (Panama) (spoke in Spanish): At the outset, we would like to thank Mr. Tom Koenigs, Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Afghanistan, and Mr. Antonio Maria Costa, Executive Director of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, for the work they are doing in Afghanistan under such difficult circumstances. We also commend all of the staff of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA). The information provided to us by Mr. Tom Koenigs and Mr. Antonio Maria Costa in their reports is, in certain respects, more encouraging than in the past. We express our cautious optimism in that regard. Nevertheless, the reduction in violence does not mean that the insurgency has been defeated.”
2007-03-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5641 (2007) · source
“We wish to emphasize the importance that we attach - as does the Secretary-General in his report - to the efforts to resolve differences through the path of dialogue and the protection of human dignity. The Secretary-General's report gives us reason to believe that, with the participation of the Iraqi leaders and the international and regional communities, we can meet these challenges, and more, in order to achieve a united and peaceful Iraq.”
2007-03-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5639 (2007) · source
“A particularly worrisome aspect of the displacement of refugees is the information, provided in the report, that it has a strong ethnic and sectarian component. We believe it is essential that the efforts of Iraqi actors, the United Nations, the Security Council and regional actors be aimed at achieving national unity in Iraq. The conference of Iraq's neighbours must give the necessary impetus to initiatives such as the International Compact with Iraq. We also commend United Nations efforts in endeavours such as those supporting the Independent High Electoral Commission in Iraq. It is within Iraq itself and at its initiative that the most important steps will be taken and the most significant progress will be made towards political life and an inclusive society.”
2007-03-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5639 (2007) · source
“The worrisome humanitarian situation provides a clear example of the regional effects of the situation in Iraq. According to Red Cross data, there are approximately 2 million Iraqi refugees in the neighbouring countries. That underscores the importance of regional cooperation to resolve the humanitarian situation and of efforts such as those undertaken by countries such as Jordan and the Syrian Arab Republic. In that connection, we agree with the Secretary-General regarding the importance of the outcome of the conference of Iraq's neighbours. It is important that peoples with such diverse interests, but also with so much in common, take joint action to make progress in stabilizing Iraq and thus the region.”
2007-03-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5639 (2007) · source
“Mr. Suescum (Panama) (spoke in Spanish): We wish at the outset to thank Mr. Qazi, Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Iraq, and the representative of the United States for their briefings. We also wish to welcome His Excellency Mr. Adil Abdal Mahdi and to thank him for the information he has provided today. We are concerned about the serious security situation in Iraq, not only because of its obvious tragic effects on human lives, but also because of its consequences for, inter alia, the country's political life, the humanitarian and social situation, the provision of public services, job creation and access to health services. As we have stated in other forums, the solution of those problems requires a strong component of political dialogue and measures at the regional and international levels.”
2007-03-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5639 (2007) · source