YouSaid · the spoken record

Tanin

lines on the record: 865
first: 2007-01-31
most recent: 2021-10-15
sittings or episodes: 78
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

“The third aspect is the breakdown of cultural values. War is pervasive. It destroys the common understanding of decency and respect for human rights. It kills morals. It breaks down social contracts. It erodes solidarity and trust. As I saw in my own country, war and conflict resulted in the corrupting prevalence of a militant culture, countering society's values, based on tolerance and respect. What emerged was, in fact, a militant anti-culture, caused by war. Crimes against Afghan people were committed and human rights violations were extensive, especially violence against women. We saw what had never before been seen in the history of Afghan women - a sequence of killing, maiming and violence.”
2012-02-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6722Resumption1 (2012) · source
“The atrocities emerging from the conflicts of the 1990s, including genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity, raised a tenacious challenge for the international community and, subsequently, fuelled the prompt application of international laws and norms in response. The second element is the interconnectedness of sexual violence and other atrocities. While sexual violence is embedded within the definition of war crimes and crimes against humanity, the international community should take a holistic approach to those atrocities, as they cannot be separated from one another. Furthermore, every atrocity is spawned from the all-encompassing destruction of society caused by war. We cannot truly stop atrocities such as sexual violence without ending the violence, war and conflict that breed them.”
2012-02-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6722Resumption1 (2012) · source
“With the end of the Second World War in 1945, humanity was saved from another world war, but was not spared the effects of war and atrocities. Over 20 million people were killed in the 265 wars and conflicts between 1945 and 1990 and in the 186 wars and conflicts that erupted from 1990 to the present. In the 1990s, after the Cold War, we increasingly faced a new form of war, with a decrease in the number of inter-State conflicts and an increase in the prevalence of intra-State tension and violent non-State actors. That brought new waves of atrocious horrors, including in my country, Afghanistan.”
2012-02-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6722Resumption1 (2012) · source
“At the outset, I would like to thank you, Mr. President, for convening this important meeting during your presidency of the Security Council this month. I also welcome the report of the Secretary-General on conflict-related sexual violence, which informs our discussion today (S/20l2/33), and the insightful briefing of Ms. Wallstrom, Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Sexual Violence in Conflict. The report and the meeting are timely and necessary. Central to today's debate is the relationship between conflict and sexual violence. In order to better understand that connection, I wish to address three main elements. The first aspect is the importance of the focus of the international community.”
2012-02-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6722Resumption1 (2012) · source
“We share responsibility for the security of children in Afghanistan, who need and deserve an environment free of indiscriminate violence to pursue their full potential.”
2011-07-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6581Resumption1 (2011) · source
“We have constructed more than 4,000 schools across the country; we predict having nine million children enrolled in schools by 2020; and in a country where practically no girls received education just 10 years ago, over 40 per cent of these new students will be girls. Additionally, the great majority of Afghanistan's population has access to basic health care, showing great improvement over the past 10 years. Nevertheless, we have yet to overcome our challenges. We look forward to our continued partnership with the international community to improve security and ensure prosperity in the lives and futures of Afghan children. Our international partnerships will remain intact throughout the transition as the Afghan Government begins to assume its leadership role. Therefore, we are alone neither in our successes, nor in our failures.”
2011-07-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6581Resumption1 (2011) · source
“Though such problems are not unique to Afghanistan, we are taking all necessary steps to stop this illegal, un-Islamic and immoral practice. The widespread poverty afflicting the country is also a threat to the safety and security of Afghanistan's children. Over 7 million children are living under the poverty line. Poverty plunges underage children into the labour force both in Afghanistan's cities and in the countryside. Their struggle to be breadwinners deprives many children of opportunities to pursue an education and to build a brighter future. In the face of these challenges, we should not lose sight of the progress made thus far. To date, more than 7 million boys and girls are enrolled in schools, investing in their futures.”
2011-07-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6581Resumption1 (2011) · source
“The use of these children in suicide attacks is a heinous crime that must be addressed with firm conviction. By the same token, we believe it essential to avoid equating the Afghan Government with the terrorists when considering the challenges facing Afghan children. Attacks against children and violations of their fundamental rights are the work of those who are continuing their campaign against peace and stability in Afghanistan. Violence against children through sexual, physical and domestic abuse is an abomination and against national law. Sexual violence, including pederasty in its local form, which is widely sensationalized in media reports, is a crime that incurs serious punishments under the Afghan legal system.”
2011-07-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6581Resumption1 (2011) · source
“I take this opportunity to welcome the Working Group's visit to Afghanistan, led by Ambassador Wittig, during which important discussions were held with relevant Government entities to enhance progress in the lives of Afghan children. We all must address the disturbing rise in child suicide bombers employed by extremist militant groups. Recent reports of terrorist networks training and selling children to militant groups for suicide bombings reflect gross violations of children's rights in all countries. The vulnerability of a child who knows nothing outside of a war-torn existence is not up for exploitation in war; a child's innocence is not fair game as a fighting strategy; and most importantly, a child's body is not a weapon of war either under the standards of the Constitution of Afghanistan or under international law.”
2011-07-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6581Resumption1 (2011) · source
“The Government of Afghanistan is committed to fulfilling its responsibility to protect the rights of all children and to addressing violations of children's rights. We have initiated a number of important steps, including the launch of an inter-ministerial steering committee mandated to develop and implement our national action plan, which seeks to prevent the recruitment and use of children in our national security forces and to address all forms of violence against children. Our efforts are geared towards meeting our obligations in child protection. We are working closely with the United Nations country task force on monitoring and reporting and the Working Group on Children and Armed Conflict to protect children's rights to security, education and health care.”
2011-07-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6581Resumption1 (2011) · source
“I hope the miseries that every Afghan family faces will one day end." Sadly, such miseries are ongoing and include children. Children continue to bear the brunt of conflict in Afghanistan. They are among the growing number of civilian casualties, and their ability to live safe, healthy and prosperous lives remains in jeopardy. There is no war zone in Afghanistan; there are no front lines. Violent attacks take place in our villages, markets and public streets, and put Afghan children at risk as they attempt to live normal lives. Forty-four per cent of all child casualties are caused by improvised explosive devices and suicide attacks, which are increasingly intended for soft targets such as civilian roads, schools and health clinics. Children, women and other vulnerable groups are the prime victims of such attacks.”
2011-07-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6581Resumption1 (2011) · source
“I thank you, Sir, for convening today's debate, which offers us all an opportunity to reaffirm our commitment to ensuring the protection of the security, rights and well-being of children in armed conflicts. I also wish to extend my appreciation to Ms. Radhika Coomaraswamy, Special Representative of the Secretary General for Children and Armed Conflict, and Mr. Anthony Lake, Executive Director of the United Nations Children's Fund, for their remarks this morning. The legacy of war and violence has had a devastating impact on my country. Violence still takes its toll on everyday life. It did so today in Kandahar. As President Karzai stated after the loss of his brother, Ahmed Wali Karzai, the head of Kandahar Provincial Council, "This is the life of all Afghan people.”
2011-07-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6581Resumption1 (2011) · source
“For that to be achieved, we must build on the gains of the past and forge a feasible framework of cooperation with the region and a long-term partnership between Afghanistan and the international community. The coming years will be crucial to our joint success. Together, we will be able to accomplish the task we began 10 years ago.”
2011-07-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6574 (2011) · source
“The civilian casualties are not just about figures and numbers; they are about the loss of the innocent lives of men, women, children, village elders, health workers, teachers and aid workers. The Taliban has been primarily responsible for such killings and has displayed a total lack of conscience in pulling the trigger on innocent civilians or those who protect local people. However, the number of casualties caused by NATO forces, despite their own repeated calls for a commitment to protecting civilians, remains significant. We reiterate our call for an immediate end to civilian casualties. As we move forward, we must think beyond ending the war and towards ensuring sustainable progress across all sectors: security, governance and development. Our goal remains a vision of a peaceful, stable, democratic and prosperous Afghanistan.”
2011-07-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6574 (2011) · source
“A comprehensive investigation of the Kabul Bank flasco is under way and should lead to reparation of debts and the bringing to justice of all the culprits in the case. We are convinced that the final outcome of the investigation will respond to the concerns both of the Afghan people and our international partners. Ongoing consultations are under way to resolve the dispute that arose from irregularities occurring during our parliamentary elections. We are not facing a constitutional crisis. The Government of Afghanistan is fully committed to resolving the issue within the framework of a legal and political solution. Far too many innocent Afghans have lost their lives as a result of prolonged violence, insecurity and fighting.”
2011-07-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6574 (2011) · source
“We look forward to a lasting partnership with the United Nations during transition and beyond. The Government of Afghanistan will continue to improve governance, enhance its fight against corruption and strengthen transparency and accountability in our national institutions. To that end, we will build on existing measures in order to ensure that anyone involved in illegal activities will be held accountable. The Afghan Government's recent apprehension of two senior executives of Kabul Bank implicated in financial mismanagement is testimony to our firm commitment to accountability and the rule of law. We have presented the Attorney-General's office with a list of all the accused individuals.”
2011-07-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6574 (2011) · source
“The opportunities that a peaceful and stable Afghanistan can offer for prosperity and security in the region are ever more evident. We will continue our constructive engagement with regional partners to realize our common goals. Securing Afghanistan and its future is about empowering the country, enabling it to stand on its own feet and take charge of its own destiny. In this regard, we look forward to the upcoming review of the mandate of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan as essential to aligning the role of the United Nations with the evolving needs of transition. We are convinced that a more harmonized, streamlined and coordinated United Nations, based on the Delivering as One approach, is vital to furthering the efficiency and effectiveness of the Organization in Afghanistan.”
2011-07-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6574 (2011) · source
“During President Karzai's visit to Islamabad last month, a promising future of close cooperation and the realization of a common vision with Pakistan was envisaged for peace as well as for development. That visit was followed by an extensive discussion with the trilateral framework of the Core Group of Afghanistan, Pakistan and the United States, which recently held its third meeting in Kabul. During the most recent visit of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, India offered its support for Afghan- led reconciliation efforts and announced a significant increase in its assistance to Afghanistan. We also continue to conduct numerous exchanges with Iran, Russia, China, countries of Central and South Asia and the Arab world.”
2011-07-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6574 (2011) · source
“The meeting was held as part of the lead-up to the forthcoming Istanbul Conference on Afghanistan, aimed at creating a stability compact, and to the international conference to be held in Bonn later this year, which will review progress on the transition goals and seek the long-term support of the international community in advancing the political process, including reconciliation and regional partnership. A decade of international and regional interaction in Afghanistan is now leading to the emergence of a new silk road, defining the shared benefits of regional cooperation. This year we have engaged in increasingly concrete cooperation with our neighbours in the region, expanding the horizons of understanding and the scope of joint efforts.”
2011-07-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6574 (2011) · source
“The Security Council's recent decision to separate the Taliban sanctions regime from that of Al-Qaida was an astute move in support of our peace and reconciliation initiative. It gives new impetus to our Afghan-led reconciliation process. We also appreciate the Council's decision to meet our de-listing requests, and urge increased focus on acceding to our additional requests, which remain unmet. The recent eleventh meeting of the International Contact Group on Afghanistan, held in Kabul with broad participation from more than 50 countries and international and regional organizations, focused on reconciliation, regional cooperation, the transition to Afghan leadership and ownership, and international support beyond 2014.”
2011-07-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6574 (2011) · source
“We again underscore Pakistan's significant role in achieving peace and reconciliation, and in this context we emphasize the importance of constructive collaboration between our two countries. We must take the necessary confidence-building measures for that collaboration to continue. The recent armed violations of Afghanistan's eastern border through hundreds of instances of shelling and artillery fire in Kunar and Nangarhar provinces, which killed dozens of people, including women and children, have been the cause of serious alarm and concern for the people and Government of Afghanistan, and run the risk of undermining the spirit of cooperation between Afghanistan and Pakistan. We urge that such attacks cease immediately.”
2011-07-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6574 (2011) · source
“The reconciliation process will be pursued as a priority, consistent with the understanding that there is no purely military solution and that the transition requires an inclusive settlement. Reconciliation aims to bring peace, prosperity and unity to the country. It is not about ceding any territorial control or accommodating any representation outside the authority of the Afghan Government. The High Peace Council is engaged in discussions with the Taliban and key actors in the region to end the violence and achieve a lasting peace. This is an effort in which all sectors of society, including women, are involved. In addition, we are beginning to focus on the regional dimensions of the reconciliation process.”
2011-07-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6574 (2011) · source
“Moreover, the recent campaign seeks to sabotage the future of peace talks and undermine the prospect of reconciliation. Those who provide terrorists and extremists with money, arms and strategic guidance are equally responsible for the continued killing and brutal butchery of innocent civilians in Afghanistan. It is therefore imperative to stress the necessity of eliminating the sanctuaries that continue to produce and prepare the ruthless killers and agents of the unending destruction of Afghanistan. Acts of terror, however, will not shake our determination to secure peace and stability in Afghanistan. We are pleased to see that an environment conducive to constructive outreach and dialogue with members of the armed opposition is now in place.”
2011-07-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6574 (2011) · source
“Contrary to some interpretations, we do not see the drawdown of international forces as an end game or, as some have put it, the beginning of international disengagement from Afghanistan. In the past 10 years, much blood and sweat have been shed and many sacrifices made in order to realize our common objective of lasting peace and security in the country and the region. The recent display of a promotional psychodrama of so-called sophisticated attacks, such as the one carried out last week in the Kabul Intercontinental Hotel or the slaughter of a dozen civilians in a hospital in Logar province is a conspicuously well-orchestrated attempt by the enemies of Afghanistan, designed to incite fear among the people, to hinder international support for Afghanistan, and to convince a war-weary audience in some countries that the war is unwinnable.”
2011-07-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6574 (2011) · source
“First and foremost, we look to our international partners to expedite the training and equipping of our security forces and to provide them with the necessary enablers. Last month, United States President Obama announced the gradual drawdown of United States forces from Afghanistan. We welcome the decision and consider it to be in accordance with the recent emerging consensus between Afghanistan and the international community to move from a primarily military engagement to a more solid and enduring partnership beyond 2014. President Obama's announcement is a testament, first, to the steady ability of Afghan security forces and, secondly, to the changed momentum of the war, despite the recent vicious attacks by the Taliban.”
2011-07-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6574 (2011) · source
“From our point of view, transition is a carefully formulated comprehensive strategy that presupposes not only a gradual transfer of security responsibilities to Afghan authorities until the end of 2014, but also a conscientious drawdown of international forces, the accelerated training of the Afghan Army and Police, the strengthening of governance, a new regional agenda for multifaceted cooperation, and the prospect of securing a renewed strategic partnership with the United States and NATO. The Afghan Government continues its crucial efforts to ensure that the transition process is smooth and viable. However, there should be no doubt that, if the transition process is to succeed and remain sustainable, certain preconditions must be met.”
2011-07-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6574 (2011) · source
“In the coming days, we will implement the first stage of this process in seven Afghan provinces: Kabul, Panjshir, Bamiyan, the municipalities of Herat in Herat province, Mazar-e-Sharif in Balkh province, Mehtar Lam in Laghman province and Lashkar Gah in Helmand province. Transition is a rousing call for Afghans to take the lead in national ownership and leadership and for the Government of Afghanistan to assume its sovereign responsibilities.”
2011-07-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6574 (2011) · source
“At the outset, allow me to begin by congratulating you, Sir, on your assumption of the presidency of the Council for the month of July. I would like also to express appreciation for your personal role and Germany's prime role in dealing with Afghanistan in the Council. I would like to extend my warmest welcome to my good friend, Special Representative of the Secretary-General Staffan de Mistura, back to the Council. I thank him for his kind remarks and compliments, for his comprehensive briefing and for his introduction of the report of the Secretary-General (S/2011/381). As the world enters a post-bin Laden era, Afghanistan, the greatest victim of terrorism, is today at a critical juncture in its quest for peace and stability. Consistent with the outcome of the NATO Lisbon Summit, we have begun the transition process.”
2011-07-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6574 (2011) · source
“We attach great importance to our partnership with the United Nations and other international partners, whose steadfast commitment and contributions have helped us come this far. We look forward to strengthening this partnership to realize our shared goal of peace in Afghanistan through the transition and beyond. I thank Council members for their contribution to the resolution just adopted. I also wish to extend our appreciation to the delegation of Germany and Ambassador Peter Wittig and his colleagues for facilitating the negotiations on the resolution.”
2011-03-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6500 (2011) · source
“The resolution underscores Afghan ownership and leadership, and calls for a more focused United Nations approach that is in line with the transition to Afghan ownership and leadership and seeks to streamline the activities of the United Nations and the United Nations family towards a One United Nations, in conformity with Afghanistan's national priority programmes. We also welcome the review of the United Nations mandate and support before the end of the year. We look forward to the review as an important measure for furthering the effectiveness of the United Nations role in Afghanistan. As Afghanistan embarks on the process of transition, the role of the United Nations will remain crucial in the years to come.”
2011-03-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6500 (2011) · source
“Let me begin by thanking you, Sir, for convening today's meeting, at which the Council has adopted resolution 1974 (2011), extending the mandate of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan for an additional 12 months. Afghanistan welcomes the adoption of today's resolution as an important step towards strengthening our partnership with the United Nations and the international community. The United Nations offers a vital contribution in the effort to achieve peace, security and stability in Afghanistan. For this, the people and Government of Afghanistan are grateful. The resolution adopted today is important for several reasons. It signifies the United Nations continuing commitment to supporting the people and Government of Afghanistan.”
2011-03-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6500 (2011) · source
“However, our moral obligations place a heavy burden on us to make the protection of civilian lives our first priority. Civilian casualties must end and additional measures must be taken to prevent harm to civilians. We all have come to realize that war and violence cannot be ended through military means alone. That is why we continue to reach out to all those who want to join the peace process. The support of the international community and our enduring partnership is essential for that process and for success in Afghanistan. Afghans are determined to work towards their own destiny. Let us renew our efforts to achieve peace and prosperity in the country through the transition and beyond.”
2011-03-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6497 (2011) · source
“Throughout the four- year transition to Afghan leadership and ownership, and beyond, the enduring partnership between Afghanistan and the international community, the United Nations and other partners will remain crucial. Transition is not an end to the relationship between Afghanistan and the international community, but the beginning of a new chapter in an evolving partnership. We must end the war and violence in Afghanistan. The time has come to ensure that Afghans have the chance to live in peace, free from the threat of violence and suffering they have endured for many years. The war against terrorism will not be won without the confidence and support of the Afghan people. While most civilian casualties are caused by the Taliban and Al-Qaida, incidents of loss of innocent life during military operations have increased.”
2011-03-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6497 (2011) · source
“Ninth, the coordinating role of UNAMA in delivering humanitarian assistance in accordance with humanitarian principles is crucial. However, on the way forward, the focus must be on strengthening the central coordinating role of the Government of Afghanistan, consistent with the goal of Afghan ownership. The realization of our requests will not only facilitate a more efficient United Nations in the years to come, but also a Government that functions with greater confidence in its ability to become self-reliant. Ten years after the Bonn Conference, Afghanistan is adamant in its decision to take responsibility for its country and people. That is a process that will not happen overnight, but over time.”
2011-03-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6497 (2011) · source
“While the presence of UNAMA's offices in eight regional zones remains important, the number, location and terms of reference of UNAMA's offices in other provinces should be looked at within the comprehensive mandate review. That will help to encourage Afghan institutions to end the culture of dependence, avoid unnecessary security risks for UNAMA staff and streamline funding for the relevant United Nations agencies in the country. Eighth, UNAMA's role in supporting efforts to enhance governance and the rule of law would be achieved best through strengthening the efforts of the Government of Afghanistan, in accordance with the Kabul process. That is the reason that we request that all efforts be made towards strengthening the Afghan Government's capacity.”
2011-03-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6497 (2011) · source
“In line with the Kabul and London communiques, the Government of Afghanistan is fully committed to electoral reform as a measure to ensure sustainability for the democratic process - one that is national in nature and is addressed by the citizens of Afghanistan. We welcome the availability of UNAMA in helping with capacity 3 building and technical assistance with regard to electoral law, if requested by the Government of Afghanistan. Last year's elections in Afghanistan cost hundreds of millions of dollars, which is not sustainable for an Afghan-led democratic process over time. The election process in Afghanistan must be effective and sustainable. That is only possible through Afghan ownership. Seventh, a reassessment of UNAMA's work throughout the country is necessary.”
2011-03-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6497 (2011) · source
“However, that role should be recalibrated to reflect the aim of the transition process in order to support Afghan-led stabilization efforts. Fifth, national ownership of the reintegration and reconciliation process is necessary. We are reaching out to all Afghans who are willing to renounce violence and join the peace process. The peace and reconciliation process is Afghan-led and could benefit from the support and good offices of UNAMA, if so requested by the Afghan Government. Sixth, the Afghan Government must have ownership of the election process, based on the clear requirements of the Afghan Constitution and the principle of Afghan sovereignty.”
2011-03-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6497 (2011) · source
“The underlying imperative to transition full responsibility for security, governance and development to Afghan leadership by the end of 2014 should guide the work of UNAMA and the Special Representative of the Secretary-General. Second, emphasis must be placed on UNAMA's responsibility as the co-chair of the Joint Coordination and Monitoring Board to promote coherence in the international community's support for the Afghan- defined and Afghan-led development strategy. Third, we stress the need to increasingly channel aid through the Afghan budget and to align it with our Afghan national priority programmes. We are convinced that this will lead to more effective and efficient utilization of development assistance. Fourth, UNAMA plays a crucial role in improving civil military coordination with the International Security Assistance Force.”
2011-03-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6497 (2011) · source
“In the subsequent weeks, we agreed that such a review would be done before the Bonn Conference at the end of 201 1. The second was greater coherence, coordination and efficiency in the work of the United Nations funds, programmes and agencies operating in Afghanistan towards one United Nations. Such an approach, brining each of the United Nations entities into synergy, is 11-26621 necessary for an efficient and successful transition in the country. The third was the reshaping of this year's mandate for UNAMA around the transition. To that end, the Government of Afghanistan proposed the following adjustments to the mandate. First, transition must be the central focus of UNAMA. A United Nations mandate centred on transition objectives would facilitate a smooth shift to Afghan ownership and leadership.”
2011-03-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6497 (2011) · source
“Securing Afghanistan is therefore first and foremost about Afghan ownership and leadership, taking responsibility and operating effectively to achieve sustainable progress. That is our ultimate goal, to which we are firmly committed. In the past weeks, we have engaged in discussions about how UNAMA's mandate should evolve in the light of the transition. In that regard, on 1 March, the Foreign Minister of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, His Excellency Mr. Zalmai Rassoul, sent a letter to the Secretary-General on behalf of the Government of Afghanistan, in which he underscored three main requests. The first was a comprehensive review of UNAMA's mandate and the role of the United Nations in Afghanistan, to be conducted within the next six months in consultation with the relevant stakeholders.”
2011-03-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6497 (2011) · source
“Today's meeting comes on the eve of the renewal of the mandate of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA). As the lead international civilian coordinator, the role of the United Nations in Afghanistan over the transition period and beyond will remain crucial. We would like to convey our appreciation for the resolute commitment of all United Nations staff working under difficult conditions to help to meet the aspirations of the Afghan people. As we prepare to officially commence the transition process, on 21 March, we look to the United Nations as a key partner on the way forward. Afghanistan cannot stand on its own feet if its State institutions remain weak and undermined by various parallel structures and its capacity is not strengthened.”
2011-03-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6497 (2011) · source
“The logic of transition will guide the way forward over the next four years. Afghanistan is determined, during that time, to assume full responsibility at all levels in order to provide Afghans with security, opportunities for social and economic progress and the benefits of a society governed by the rule of law. 11-2662] The role of the international community in supporting the transition will remain essential for our success. It London, Kabul and Lisbon, the international community endorsed and committed to supporting the transition towards Afghan ownership and leadership. Over the next four years, the international community's role in Afghanistan will revolve around the needs and requirements of the transition process.”
2011-03-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6497 (2011) · source
“I also take this opportunity to express, on behalf of the Government and people of Afghanistan, deepest sympathies to the people and Government of Japan for the tragic loss of life and destruction resulting from the earthquake and tsunami this past week. We stand beside the friendly people of Japan as they recover from that tragedy. As we come together to discuss the situation in Afghanistan, my country is embarking on the transition to full Afghan sovereignty, national ownership and leadership in an effort to realize the noble vision of a secure, democratic and prosperous nation that is able to meet the needs of citizens independently. We in Afghanistan know that transition is no easy task but, with our full determination and unity and the sincere support and commitment of the international community, it is achievable.”
2011-03-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6497 (2011) · source
“I was expecting to listen to Mr. De Mistura first, but he has made a very kind gesture to me and my country. My country and the leadership of Afghanistan admire his role and leadership. We benefit from his leadership as a leading international coordinator in Afghanistan and here in New York. At the outset, I congratulate you, Sir, on assuming the presidency of the Council this month. I also wish to thank the Secretary-General for his report on the situation in Afghanistan (S/20ll/120*) and extend a warm welcome back to the Council to my good friend Special Representative Staffan de Mistura.”
2011-03-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6497 (2011) · source
“It is a gradual and conditions-based process that relies upon support for the building of the Afghan security forces' size, strength and operational capability. ll-2l268 Building peace by developing institutions can help address the causes of conflict. However, it is necessary to end Violence in order to create an environment in which institutions can flourish. Progress can be destroyed when conflict flares up. We must not forget the lessons we have learned in Afghanistan. A school or clinic built in six months can be destroyed in only six minutes by the Taliban or other extremists. Furthermore, the importance of effective international partnerships during post-conflict situations cannot be overestimated. In this regard, adequate resourcing and capacity-building are preconditions for ensuring lasting peace.”
2011-01-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6472 (2011) · source
“The international community and key national stakeholders must work collaboratively with integrative strategies to provide effective support for democratization. In the coming years, national ownership and leadership with continued international partnerships will be key for Afghanistan. The adoption of the Kabul process involves greater Afghan responsibility for security, development and governance in the country. The significant increase in the amount of international funding channelled through the Afghan Government reflects renewed support for national ownership. The Afghan Government is committed to assuming full responsibility for security efforts with the support of the international community by the end of 2014.”
2011-01-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6472 (2011) · source
“In any post-conflict setting, sustained international engagement in the institution-building stages beyond military involvement is necessary for peacebuilding efforts to endure. In Afghanistan, an additional component of the stabilization process is effective regional cooperation. Progress is at risk of unravelling if these partnerships do not remain strong. Democratization in post-conflict countries is a multidimensional challenge. We have learned from our experience that the democratization process requires sustained security, as well as political and development support. However, as has been emphasized time and ll-21268 again, democracy grows from within and external actors can only support it.”
2011-01-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6472 (2011) · source
“If the Taliban wants to join peace talks, it must end Violence and terrorist attacks, including suicide bombings, the planting of improvised explosive devices, kidnappings and targeted assassinations, and sever ties with Al-Qaida and other terrorist groups. We must also anticipate the challenges we will face going forward. The biggest issue - not just for Afghanistan, but for any post-conflict country 4 is the sustainability of peace. The functionality of institutions is necessary; a country must have the resources, human capital and capacity to stop the threat of insurgency if it is to avoid relapsing into conflict. Capacity-building is essential if State institutions are to operate effectively. Empowering State institutions means enabling a national Government to provide services for its citizens.”
2011-01-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6472 (2011) · source
“Local administrations have increased their involvement in security efforts, particularly through the engagement of the Afghan people, especially elders, in defence programmes in villages. As a measure to end violence and achieve lasting peace, we in Afghanistan have prioritized reintegration and reconciliation. We continue to encourage members of the armed opposition to put down their weapons, choose the path of peace and join efforts for stabilization and rehabilitation in the country. Progress continues towards implementing the recommendations of our National Consultative Peace Jirga, which constitutes the core of our reconciliation efforts. Now that we have come halfway, it is the Taliban's turn to fulfil its responsibility.”
2011-01-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6472 (2011) · source
“Civil society has emerged triumphant in a more unified and organized manner. There are many areas in the country where we are witnessing governance for the first time in decades. Progress in the area of infrastructure development, including building and paving roads and increased access to water, education and health care, has been among the most rapid of any post-conflict nation in decades. Women and girls now have equal access to education. Security institutions have developed, supporting the emergence of Afghan national ownership. The last year has shown that it is possible to increase the Afghan National Army substantially and simultaneously to see its planning and combat abilities improve.”
2011-01-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6472 (2011) · source