YouSaid · the spoken record

Tan

lines on the record: 54
first: 2001-12-05
most recent: 2016-04-14
sittings or episodes: 7
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

“Given the continuing threat posed by terrorist groups, we believe that a successful framework for collective action must take a holistic approach. It must address the key drivers of terrorism, including the propagation of extremist ideologies, which distort religious concepts, and the role played by the social media in spreading and amplifying such ideologies. To be truly effective, the framework must take into account domestic and contextual factors, and put national action plans at the heart of our collective endeavour to address the terrorism challenge. Terrorism continues to be a serious threat to international peace and security. But if we work together, we can translate national resilience into global unity and strength. Singapore will remain committed to playing its part in the fight against international terrorism.”
2016-04-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7670Resumption1 (2016) · source
“That was why Singapore convened the East Asia Summit Symposium on Religious Rehabilitation and Social Reintegration in 2015. This year, we organized the tenth Asia-Pacific Programme for Senior National Security Officers, and will host another workshop later in the year to develop a cross-regional perspective on best practices and policies for promoting religious tolerance and strengthening resilience. Multilaterally, Singapore supports the efforts of the United Nations to develop a framework for collective action to counter violent extremism. We co-sponsored resolution 2178 (2014) on arresting the international flow of terrorist fighters, and we therefore welcome this timely open debate convened by China.”
2016-04-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7670Resumption1 (2016) · source
“Those controls are overseen by sectoral supervisors for compliance. The threat posed by ISIS requires that we remain vigilant, and continue to work closely with industry to detect and deter such illicit flows. Thirdly, effective international cooperation and the sharing of best practices will strengthen the first two pillars of our fight against terrorism. Bilaterally, our security agencies have established close cooperation with their counterparts. Regionally, Singapore participates actively in counterterrorism initiatives undertaken by the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, the Asia-Europe Meeting, and the Asia- Pacific Economic Cooperation Forum. We believe that the international community needs such platforms to discuss and share our experiences. Working together will amplify our individual efforts.”
2016-04-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7670Resumption1 (2016) · source
“It is vital to continually remind our people of the need for diversity and tolerance, both online and offline. Only then can we keep our community bonds strong. Secondly, itis important to cut offfinancial resources for terrorism. Singapore takes a serious approach to protecting the integrity of our financial system against money-laundering and terrorism-financing. We are an active member of the Financial Action Task Force and a founding member of the Asia/Pacific Group on Money Laundering. Singapore has a strict legal and regulatory framework to safeguard against terrorism-financing through our financial system. We have required financial institutions and relevant non-financial sectors to implement comprehensive monitoring and due diligence procedures in line with international standards.”
2016-04-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7670Resumption1 (2016) · source
“We have put in place initiatives such as the Interracial and Religious Confidence Circles, and other community engagement programmes to build social trust. Our goal is to build a strong web of trust among our various racial and religious groups, so that there is greater community resilience to deal with "the day after" a major incident. For those led astray, Singapore has emphasized rehabilitation and reintegration. In 2003, a religious rehabilitation group was formed by respected religious teachers and scholars to counsel detained extremists and correct erroneous religious teaching. Further, we continue to educate Singaporeans on the dangers of online threats to security and social harmony. Increasingly, the social media enable us to live in fragmented echo chambers, filled only with people who agree with us.”
2016-04-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7670Resumption1 (2016) · source
“As an international hub and a multi-faith society, Singapore takes the threat posed by ISIS and other extremist ideologies seriously. They are threats not only to physical safety, but also to social harmony. In our view, there are three key elements in an effective approach to addressing violent extremism and terrorism. First, it is crucial to build national resilience. Inclusive economic development, good governance, and political and social stability are a critical starting point in our approach. On top of that foundation, we also need to promote tolerance and mutual understanding. Singapore works closely with religious and community leaders to encourage dialogue and counter the spread of extremist exclusionist ideologies.”
2016-04-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7670Resumption1 (2016) · source
“Singapore aligns itself with the statement delivered by the Islamic Republic of Iran on behalf of the Movement of Non-Aligned Countries. No country can defeat the scourge of terrorism alone. Terrorism does not respect national or geographical boundaries. Today, social media are being used by terrorists to spread radical ideas and promote violent extremism across borders. Southeast Asia is not immune. In addition to the January 2016 attacks in Jakarta, there are now over 1,000 South-East Asians who have joined the Islamic State in Iraq and the Sham (ISIS), including a handful of Singaporeans. They are battle hardened and have combat skills and violent tendencies and embrace an extremist ideology. When they return, they pose a significant risk. They hope to overturn Governments and establish a caliphate in Southeast Asia.”
2016-04-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7670Resumption1 (2016) · source
“Businesses, civil society and a wide range of other national and regional stakeholders can also play important roles in helping SIDS better mainstream adaptation needs as we advance sustainable development. In closing, we once again thank New Zealand for its leadership in providing the opportunity to bring these pertinent issues to the fore at this open debate.”
2015-07-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7499 (2015) · source
“The design and implementation of climate change adaptation measures must be appropriate to the respective vulnerabilities and national circumstances if they are to be truly able to safeguard our security. This debate at the level of the Security Council is therefore very welcome in drawing attention to the need for greater support for the ongoing efforts of SIDS. The global nature of climate change calls for the widest possible cooperation on the part of all countries and their participation in an effective and appropriate international response. We need genuine and durable partnerships that harness the full potential of engagement among Governments at all levels.”
2015-07-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7499 (2015) · source
“Singapore is committed to helping our fellow SIDS in building capacity to take such action. At the Third International Conference on Small Island Developing States, held in Apia, Singapore launched a three-year technical cooperation package dedicated to SIDS that includes customized programmes in areas such as climate change, sustainable development and disaster management. In collaboration with the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction, we will also conduct a specialized training course for SIDS, in October, on the implementation of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030 (General Assembly resolution 69/283), including climate change adaptation and mitigation measures. The adaptation objectives that SIDS have been championing are not empty demands being made during negotiations. They are real needs.”
2015-07-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7499 (2015) · source
“Also, SIDS seek to achieve, first, sustainable energy goals through better energy efficiencies and sustainable energy systems, including an integrated approach to establishing and strengthening innovative energy road maps; secondly, disaster risk-reduction goals through early warning systems, better risk assessment and data collection, as well as contingency planning for better disaster preparedness and response; and thirdly, greater food security and nutrition by promoting open and efficient international and domestic markets and enhancing international cooperation to maintain access to global food markets, particularly during periods of high volatility in commodity prices. Such actions can contribute directly to the reduction of vulnerability, the enhancement of resilience and the reduction of non-traditional security threats.”
2015-07-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7499 (2015) · source
“To increase human and environmental resilience to the longer-term impacts of climate change, continued support is needed to raise awareness of and communication about climate change risks, including through public dialogue with local communities.”
2015-07-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7499 (2015) · source
“International support for adaptation efforts lags behind support for mitigation actions, yet many SIDS undertake adaptation actions with domestic resources, at significant opportunity costs to other development priorities. The truth of the matter is that tackling these challenges is an existential issue for SIDS. We have no choice but to undertake adaptation efforts to increase resilience, reduce vulnerability, and avoid loss and damage. We need to do so whether there is a global climate agreement or not. In that respect, some of the actions identified in the Samoa Pathway can make a qualitative difference at the national level. Examples include improving the baseline monitoring of island systems and the downscaling of climate model projections, which would help to enable better projections of future impacts on small islands.”
2015-07-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7499 (2015) · source
“For instance, climate change implications tied in with other threats could lead to the displacement of populations and conflict over resources due to food and water scarcity. The Samoa Pathway reaffirmed that SIDS remain a special case for sustainable development, in view of such unique and particular vulnerabilities. The document identifies direct responses to a host of challenges to which SIDS would be particularly vulnerable, with concrete modalities of action to tackle disaster-risk reduction, food and energy security, as well as water and sanitation, among others. Addressing such challenges effectively will help each of the SIDS manage its overall resilience to climate change and reduce non-traditional threats to peace and security.”
2015-07-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7499 (2015) · source
“As we anticipate a new global agreement on climate change at the twenty-first session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change in December, the urgent need to help SIDS adapt to the impacts of climate change should be seen through the lens of those non-traditional security implications. Climate change can be a threat multiplier, and the quest to reduce the vulnerability and increase the resilience of SIDS takes on additional dimensions of urgency. The Samoa Pathway recognizes that sea-level rise and other adverse impacts of climate change continue to pose a significant risk to the efforts of SIDS to achieve sustainable development.”
2015-07-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7499 (2015) · source
“A recent Pew Research Center survey, measuring perceptions of international challenges, showed global climate change as the top threat perceived by countries in Latin America, sub-Saharan Africa and Asia. A sizeable portion of the 45,000 persons surveyed in 40 nations cited climate change as their biggest worry - of greater concern than the threat of the Islamic State in Iraq and the Sham - making it the most widespread concern of any issue included in the survey. The sense of urgency reflected in those recent reports is something that SIDS have long been preoccupied with, because SIDS have to cope with these matters in every aspect of planning and development at the national level.”
2015-07-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7499 (2015) · source
“High degrees of climate change pose enormous risks to national and international security. Climate change impacts could also indirectly lead to transboundary issues like pollution and an increased risk of terrorism if States fail, and higher temperatures can accelerate the spread of some diseases to epidemic proportions. In terms of disaster-risk reduction and relief, the capacity of the international community for humanitarian assistance is already at full stretch and could be overwhelmed. The role played by climate change in exacerbating such non-traditional security threats should therefore not be ignored. The risks related to climate change are clear and present to many.”
2015-07-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7499 (2015) · source
“We join others in expressing our appreciation to New Zealand for giving attention to issues important to small island developing States (SIDS) by hosting this open debate on peace and security challenges. Singapore was privileged to have worked closely with New Zealand to shepherd the SIDS Accelerated Modalities of Action (SAMOA) Pathway (Samoa Pathway) at the third International Conference on Small Island Developing States, in Apia in September 2014. The vulnerabilities faced by SIDS can often accentuate many of the challenges that are common to all nations. A major preoccupation of SIDS is dealing with the adverse impacts of climate change, which besides being an existential threat in itself, has a multiplier effect on non-traditional security threats.”
2015-07-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7499 (2015) · source
“As families play an important role in the rehabilitation of offenders, other community organizations also weigh in to provide support for their families where necessary. Those organizations also help secure jobs for offenders when they are released. It is our view that the weed of violent extremism can be blasted, but its ideological roots will continue to proliferate unless extirpated. To this end, in 2015 Singapore will convene a symposium for East Asia Summit countries to exchange views and share best practices on de-radicalization and religious rehabilitation. We hope that the symposium will be a useful contribution to international efforts to tackle the ideological roots of extremism and thereby weaken the lure of terrorist groups such as ISIL.”
2014-11-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7316 (2014) · source
“These assets have proved effective in our previous contributions to multinational coalition efforts in Iraq and Afghanistan. However, we recognize that it is also critical to counter the extremist ideology used to recruit foreign terrorist fighters and which fuels the violent agenda of groups such as ISIL. As such, Singapore's integrated approach to combating terrorism also emphasizes religious-based and community-led rehabilitation efforts. Our religious and community leaders have condemned Al-Qaida and ISIL unequivocally. The Religious Rehabilitation Group, a voluntary group formed by individual Islamic scholars and teachers in Singapore, debunks misconceptions of extremist ideology in one-on-one sessions, offers offenders robust ideological counters to misinterpretations of religious teaching, and rehabilitates them back into society.”
2014-11-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7316 (2014) · source
“Self-radicalization and spontaneous acts of terror are also major concerns given the prevalence of information and communications technology and social media platforms. In this regard, approximately 350 South-EastAsians, including a handful of Singaporeans, are reportedly in Iraq and Syria. The long-term risk to social harmony is also clear. As part of our integrated counter-terrorism approach, Singapore has joined other countries in offering to contribute assets and personnel to Operation Inherent Resolve, the United States-led multinational coalition to combat ISIL. These include liaison and planning officers, a KC-l35R tanker aircraft for air-to- air refuelling and an imagery analysis team from the Singapore Armed Forces.”
2014-11-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7316 (2014) · source
“We condemn the atrocities committed by ISIL and Al-Nusra against innocent civilians, Muslims and non-Muslims alike, in the strongest possible terms. Singapore remains committed to supporting international counter-terrorism efforts. We will continue to cooperate with the United Nations and international partners to curb material and financial support for terrorist organizations. Singapore is an international hub and a multireligious society with a sizeable Muslim community. Extremist groups such as ISIL infect vulnerable individuals with their ideology. Battle-hardened returnees may carry out attacks at home, exacerbating the threat from existing terrorist networks in our region such as Jemaah Islamiyah.”
2014-11-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7316 (2014) · source
“We thank Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and the Chairs of the Committee pursuant to resolutions 1267 (1999) and 1989 (2011) concerning Al-Qaida and associated individuals and entities and of the Counter-Terrorism Committee for their briefings. We commend Australia for convening this timely open debate. Resolutions 2170 (2014) and 2178 (2014) established a solid foundation for an international counter-terrorismframeworkfordealingwiththelslamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) and the Al-Nusra Front, and today's debate is a useful opportunity for the international community to continue developing that framework. Singapore was a sponsor of resolution 2178 (2014), which deals with halting the international flow of terrorist fighters.”
2014-11-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7316 (2014) · source
“However, the Council does not discharge its responsibility in isolation, and it needs the support of the States Members of the United Nations, notably for funding and providing troops for the Council's mandated operations. Given that relationship between the Council and the wider United Nations membership, it is incumbent upon the Council to increase the transparency of its engagement with the General Assembly.”
2013-10-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7052Resumption1 (2013) · source
“Furthermore, we urge the permanent members to explain to the General Assembly their reasons for using the veto or their intention to do so, in particular with regard to its consistency with the purposes and principles of the United Nations Charter and international law. That is particularly pertinent at times when the veto is used to block action intended to maintain international peace and security. The Security Council has been given the primary responsibility by the Members of the United Nations for maintaining international peace and security, and special privileges have been given to the permanent members to enable them to carry out that mandate.”
2013-10-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7052Resumption1 (2013) · source
“But let us not forget the deep unhappiness in the United Nations membership and the wider world at the impotency of the Council prior to that adoption in the face of the violence and atrocities in the crisis in Syria. The use of the veto is the crux of the problem. Singapore therefore reiterates its request for the permanent members of the Council to consider refraining from using their vetoes to block Council action aimed at preventing or ending genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity. In that regard, we would be interested to hear the reactions of the other permanent members to the proposals by the French President on a code of conduct on the use of the veto.”
2013-10-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7052Resumption1 (2013) · source
“In our view, the Council could do more to increase interactivity, deepen the level of analysis and foster greater critical reflection in its engagement with the General Assembly. A good place to start would be the forthcoming annual report of the Council. Instead of simply being a descriptive and voluminous compilation of data and information on the work of the Council, we hope that this year's report will be more concise and analytical. For example, it could include an evaluation of the effectiveness of the Council's decisions as well as lessons learned. Last month, we welcomed the unanimous adoption of resolution 2118 (2013), on the elimination of chemical weapons in Syria.”
2013-10-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7052Resumption1 (2013) · source
“For example, notwithstanding their substantive briefings, which we support, we also believe that non-members should have more opportunities to provide input to the work of the Council's subsidiary bodies. Furthermore, some of those initiatives have been implemented with an eye to the letter rather than the spirit of the proposals. Many of the briefings and reports are largely descriptive of the Council's work. While we thank the various presidencies for convening wrap-up meetings, we also note that such meetings have not been consistently held and tend to comprise set statements by Security Council members with general descriptions of meetings held and resolutions adopted.”
2013-10-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7052Resumption1 (2013) · source
“We welcome the Council's efforts to improve its practices as outlined in the series of presidential notes adopted since 2010, including convening more open debates, more Arria Formula meetings, consultations with troop-contributing countries and monthly briefings on the Security Council's programme of work. Those initiatives have helped to improve the transparency of the Council with regard to the General Assembly. However, the implementation of the recommendations and proposals contained in the five presidential notes (S/2010/507, S/2012/402, S/2012/922, S/2012/937 and S/2013/515) has been limited, slow and vary from presidency to presidency of the Council.”
2013-10-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7052Resumption1 (2013) · source
“Of the 70 States Members of the United Nations that have never been elected as members of the Security Council, 50 are members of the Forum of Small States. The small States that are elected to the Council also face constraints. Most small States can be elected to the Council only once every several decades, given resource constraints. By the time they have mastered Security Council processes, their terms are over and the next generation has to start from scratch when they are elected. Nevertheless, many small States continue to experience first hand the consequences of the failure to maintain international peace and security. The work of the Council remains of profound importance to us. Accordingly, reforms that increase the transparency of the work and deliberations of the Council are critical to small States.”
2013-10-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7052Resumption1 (2013) · source
“I thank Azerbaijan for convening this meeting and for its concept paper on today's open debate (S/2013/613, annex). I also thank Argentina for its work as the Chair of the Informal Working Group on Documentation and Other Procedural Questions. Improvements in the working methods of the Security Council, especially in its transparency towards the General Assembly, are important to small States like Singapore. The reality is that small States are unlikely to obtain a permanent seat in whatever new configuration that might emerge from an overall reform of the Council in the future. In the current situation, it is also increasingly challenging for small States to be elected as non-permanent Council members. Campaigns for contested and uncontested seats on the Council are becoming financially exorbitant and resource-intensive.”
2013-10-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7052Resumption1 (2013) · source
“Otherwise, as Secretary-General Kofi Annan said in his address at the College of William and Mary on 8 February 2003, "the Council will have to make [a] grim choice, based on the findings of the inspectors - a choice more complex, and perhaps more fateful, than the one that faced it in 1990. And when that time comes, the Council must face up to its responsibilities". (Press release SG/SM/8600) But also, we must not lose sight of the human dimension of the Iraq issue. Singapore attaches great importance to improving the humanitarian situation of the people of Iraq. They have already suffered greatly over the past decade as a result of the Iraqi Government's non-compliance with Council resolutions, which attracted Security Council sanctions. We urge the Iraqi Government to make the right decision.”
2003-02-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4709Resumption1 (2003) · source
“ElBaradei, it has become more urgent and imperative for Iraq to demonstrate without delay that it is complying fully with resolution 1441 (2002) and that it is extending its full and active cooperation to the United Nations weapons inspectors. We stand at a crossroads on this issue. If the Government of Iraq refuses to meet its disarmament obligations, it will in all likelihood lead to an outcome that we would all prefer to avoid. We therefore urge Iraq to do all that is necessary to fully comply with resolution 1441 (2002), including ridding itself of all its weapons of mass destruction.”
2003-02-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4709Resumption1 (2003) · source
“The unanimous adoption of resolution 1441 (2002) by the Security Council sent a clear message to Iraq to comply with its disarmament obligations under the relevant Security Council resolutions or face the consequences. On critical element of those resolutions is the full disarmament of Iraq's weapons of mass destruction. From the regular update the Security Council has received from the United Nations Monitoring, Verification and Inspection Commission (UNMOVIC) and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), it is clear that some progress has been made in the inspections, particularly in terms of cooperation on process and procedure. That is a positive sign. But at this stage, it is also clear that "some progress" is not enough. Based on the most recent updates delivered last Friday by Mr. Blix and Mr.”
2003-02-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4709Resumption1 (2003) · source
“The world's attention is focused on the issue of Iraq. The development and proliferation of weapons of mass destruction pose a grave threat to international peace and security. The threat of military action against Iraq draws nearer each day, and with it the potential for far-reaching humanitarian consequences. During Singapore's term on the Security Council, we consistently took the position that the Iraqi authorities must comply with all Security Council resolutions. This is an important point of principle. International law must be observed. We supported the consensus in the Security Council on resolution 1441 (2002) in the hope that international law and order would be preserved.”
2003-02-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4709Resumption1 (2003) · source
“The generous rehabilitation and reconstruction efforts directed at Afghanistan should therefore have a regional focus, and should generate peace dividends for Afghanistan's neighbours, so that a vested interest in Afghanistan's stability can be developed. Similarly, it is important to remember that Afghanistan is but one of the many trouble spots in the world deserving of the world's attention and involvement. The big lesson of Afghanistan is that the fate of a distant country can have a global and catastrophic impact. The United Nations and the international community at large must therefore not repeat the mistakes of the past, but stay the course in their efforts in Afghanistan and elsewhere for the long term.”
2002-03-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4497 (2002) · source
“Important efforts have been made to establish an Afghan national army and police force. However, stopgap measures might be needed in the interim before both are brought to effective capacity. The Security Council should therefore examine all the instruments in its toolbox of actions to address this important question. Calibrating international assistance could be a powerful incentive for good behaviour. However, carrots must always be backed up by strong sticks. The Security Council must carefully examine how best to avoid any major armed conflict and provide security for the main transportation and trade routes. Even as the international community's attention is focused on Afghanistan, we should not forget the interlinkages with the wider region.”
2002-03-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4497 (2002) · source
“We are grateful to the United Kingdom for its leadership in establishing the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF), as well as for the contribution of all the troop- contributing countries, which has brought a degree of calm to Kabul. ISAF has provided a crucial anchor, allowing the Afghan Interim Authority to extend its influence, especially to the provinces and outlying regions. However, while security and neutrality are being maintained in Kabul, there have been worrying reports of instability in other parts of Afghanistan, especially in the crucial period leading up to the emergency Loya Jirga. As the recent activities of the international coalition demonstrate, Al Qaeda and Taliban fighters remaining in Afghanistan continue to pose a threat to the peace process.”
2002-03-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4497 (2002) · source
“As we have learned from so many conflicts around the world, in order to be sustainable, any political or peace process must adopt a comprehensive and coherent approach. This is something that Singapore has long advocated, and it is an issue to which Colombia also referred. Elements of progress on the political, humanitarian, reconstruction and security tracks are mutually reinforcing. While it is not necessary for progress on all of these tracks to proceed at the same pace, a critical lag on one of them could seriously jeopardize the entire process. In this regard, an urgent and pressing issue, which the Secretary-General has brought to our attention, is the security situation.”
2002-03-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4497 (2002) · source
“Singapore has pledged, in addition to humanitarian assistance, a special five-year technical assistance package to train Afghans to help the most vulnerable groups in society, in particular women and children. However, despite progress in all of these areas, there is, as the Secretary-General noted, no room for complacency. Simple events that would be taken for granted in most parts of the world, such as Afghans celebrating the new year on 21 March and 1.5 million Afghan children returning to school last Saturday, hit the headlines and made front-page news precisely because of the depths to which Afghanistan had sunk. Tensions bubble beneath the surface and constantly threaten to reverse the fragile and tentative progress that has been made.”
2002-03-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4497 (2002) · source
“This, of course, does not preclude the Security Council from collaborating closely with all relevant partners to develop complementarity in our common endeavour. With the help of the United Nations and the rest of the international community, Afghanistan has made huge strides in the right direction in many areas. The first stage of the three-step Bonn process has made headway in generating both domestic and international legitimacy for the Afghan Interim Authority. There is a growing sense of security in Kabul. The worst of the humanitarian crisis has been averted. There is a steady stream of Afghan refugees from neighbouring countries and internally displaced persons returning home. Nascent institutions have been re-established.”
2002-03-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4497 (2002) · source
“It is clear from the participation in this open debate, and from the various complementary tracks - including the Tokyo donor's conference, which made an important contribution to securing the political process - that the Security Council is but one forum involved in the development of a global consensus on a coherent and comprehensive long-term strategy to bring peace to Afghanistan. Nonetheless, because of its responsibility under the Charter and its operational capability, the Security Council is perhaps best equipped to harness the collective and sustained political will to address the underlying causes and dynamics of the conflict in Afghanistan and to help the country's transition from war to peace.”
2002-03-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4497 (2002) · source
“The Council stands ready, as it declared in resolution 1383 (2001), to support the interim institutions established by the Bonn Agreement, as well as to support the implementation of the Agreement itself. Singapore therefore looks forward to participating in the Council's discussion to establish the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan: a lean, unified and integrated United Nations structure, designed to support the various processes outlined in the Bonn Agreement.”
2002-03-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4497 (2002) · source
“Given the global interest in Afghanistan, it is especially important for Council members to listen regularly to the views of non-Council members, especially members of the "six plus two" group, which now meets in Kabul and includes Afghanistan and other key players, as we deliberate on the next steps, including the draft resolution referred to by France. The presence of the Norwegian Foreign Minister, Chair of the Afghan Support Group, will also provide an important dimension to the Council's work. The Security Council has been intimately involved in developments in Afghanistan for many years. More recently, the Council has closely monitored and given the added push and support whenever necessary to affirm the United Nations central role in supporting the Afghan people's efforts in reinstating Afghanistan into the community of nations.”
2002-03-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4497 (2002) · source
“Similarly, Afghanistan has a singular chance to make the most of the international community's focused attention on it. Neither should squander the prospect. It is also timely and appropriate for the Norwegian presidency to convene today's open debate to review developments in Afghanistan four months since the last such debate and three months since the inauguration of the Afghan Interim Authority and establishment of the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF). We join others in expressing our condolences to the Afghan authorities and people for the thousands feared dead after a series of earthquakes struck northern Afghanistan last night and earlier today and in appealing for urgent humanitarian and other assistance to be extended.”
2002-03-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4497 (2002) · source
“At the outset, let me thank the Deputy Secretary-General, Ms. Louise Frechette, for introducing the Secretary-General's latest report on the situation in Afghanistan, which is both informative and comprehensive. Singapore is in full agreement with most of the points made in the report. A recurring motive in the Secretary-General's report is for Afghan priorities to lead the international community's efforts, and this should maximize the use of Afghan capacity. Indeed, Afghan voices should constantly guide our work here in the Council. However, it is imperative that all Afghans also work cohesively together and transcend ethnic and regional parochialism. The international community has a unique opportunity to make good in Afghanistan.”
2002-03-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4497 (2002) · source
“To benefit fully in this regard, perhaps the High Representative and the Head of UNMIBH could submit their reports at about the same time. Of course, the frequency of these reports could be properly timed so as to balance the need for regular meetings on Bosnia and Herzegovina and not overburden the two authorities.”
2001-12-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4433 (2001) · source
“It is difficult to see how a nation can exist with two independent armies while the police exist in a single national framework. I believe no other country has done this. Before I conclude, allow me to raise a procedural issue. The Security Council took a step forward in holding a public meeting with both High Representative Wolfgang Petritsch and Special Representative of the Secretary-General Klein this September. Our view is that this practice should continue for future public meetings on Bosnia and Herzegovina, whenever the opportunity presents itself. In this way, the Council would be able to see the full picture of what is happening in Bosnia and Herzegovina and what is being done by all the key actors to make progress on the Bosnia and Herzegovina issue, including in coordination with one another.”
2001-12-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4433 (2001) · source
“Progress has been slow, however, and even where police officers and institutions fully comply with their obligations and responsibilities, judicial misconduct has compromised prosecutions of perpetrators of ethnic violence, police misconduct and trafficking in human beings. Police officers are often discouraged from pursuing arrests and prosecutions, public confidence in the judicial system is low and widespread corruption continues." There must be other similar examples. Clearly, the full spectrum of essential conditions has to be established for Bosnia and Herzegovina to attain sustainable peace and development. Contrast the presence of a nationwide policing framework with State-level services and the absence of a single national army in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and the point becomes clear.”
2001-12-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4433 (2001) · source
“UNMIBH may be able to make a clear exit from Bosnia and Herzegovina after fulfilling its mandate, but sustainable peace and development can be achieved for the nation only if the right political, social, economic and other conditions are put in place. We note that this is the role of the High Representative for the Implementation of the Peace Agreement, SFOR, the United Nations and other actors. In fact, to do its job, UNMIBH is dependent on the High Representative to create the necessary conditions. One vivid example is found in the Secretary-General's report (8/2001/1132), in paragraph 15: "The Independent Judicial Commission, operating within the framework of the Office of the High Representative, continues to focus on overhauling the judiciary (judges and prosecutors).”
2001-12-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.4433 (2001) · source