YouSaid · the spoken record

Tanin

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865

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2007-01-31

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2021-10-15

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un-security-council

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1. “Mr. Tanin: Let me first congratulate Egypt on assuming the presidency of the Council for this month. The Secretary-General's report before the Council (8/2016/407) details essential events in Kosovo and the region, and the activities of the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK) from mid-January to mid-April. However, some developments since the Secretary-General's previous report (S/2016/99) are of more importance than the routine activities. Accordingly, today I wish to highlight those and some broader considerations. I have spent a good part of my professional life on members' side of this table, and I am therefore aware that routine reporting is not always the best use of time devoted to matters on which the Council remains actively seized.”

   2016-05-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7693 (2016) · source

2. “Accordingly, our work in UNMIK is aimed at, and must be part of, an international, as well as a local, partnership to address problems that realistically cannot be tackled in isolation. By working with all those who recognize and embrace the aims of peace, security and prosperity, we can actively support Kosovo and the entire region in meeting the formidable challenges ahead. I wish to conclude my remarks by expressing my deep appreciation to the members of the Council for their suppor, which is indispensable to success.”

   2016-02-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7637 (2016) · source

3. “Kosovo's strategy and action plan on the prevention of violent extremism should benefit from wide-ranging international support commensurate with the extensive bilateral assistance already being directed to intelligence and law-enforcement bodies. While politicians usually focus on near-term and insular priorities, regional partnerships mark the real path to progress. The Pristina-Belgrade dialogue is essential, While its ultimate success must be grounded in collaboration among all leaders across the region. Where the international community is concerned, safeguarding the considerable investment already made in Kosovo requires a proactive attitude both to the current challenges and to additional emerging ones. Political progress and institutional resilience in the region are both essential. However, they are by no means assured.”

   2016-02-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7637 (2016) · source

4. “It is important to emphasize that any measures taken should not restrict the universal rights of refugees and asylum-seekers, and that our understanding of their plight as individuals should remain at the forefront of all policy considerations. Assuring adequate institutional capacity and responses to the problems of radicalization and extremism, terrorist training and financing, and the associated trafficking in human beings and weapons is likewise becoming more pressing. The presence of groups driving radicalization and the phenomenon of foreign terrorist fighters are challenges that demand a close and efficient partnership between the Kosovo authorities and regional and international bodies.”

   2016-02-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7637 (2016) · source

5. “We continue to receive reports of incidents, including thefts, in households owned by Kosovo Serbs, which are causing concern. We are joining with the European Union and other partners to improve facilitated dialogue at all levels, from the central authorities to civil society. In the next few months, Kosovo and the entire region are likely to face substantial external shocks that will test the resilience of their institutions. The vast refugee and migrant flows through the Balkans are unlikely to abate, and they constitute both a human tragedy and a political crisis. Kosovo's planning for contingencies should benefit from international resources and planning support, as well as regional cooperation.”

   2016-02-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7637 (2016) · source

6. “Laws and programmes designed to uphold the rights of minority groups and to protect cultural heritage, along with the realization of property rights and women's still- limited access to property ownership, remain matters of real concern. The returns programme for displaced persons has faltered, partly due to the significant shortcomings in those areas. Without ensuring the necessary conditions for people's reintegration into social, economic and political life, even limited returns are unlikely to become more sustainable. Cooperation between the Serbian Orthodox Church and the Kosovo authorities suffered several setbacks last year. Unresolved issues related to church property and the enforcement of legal protection have strained relations.”

   2016-02-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7637 (2016) · source

7. “I welcome the Government's willingness to engage with the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK) on human-rights reporting to the special procedures of the Human Rights Council. I also welcome the positive working relationship we have established with the Government on policy development, including on the Kosovo human rights strategy. We and many international partners remain committed to working closely with the authorities to encourage positive trends, particularly in the full implementation of the established legislative framework. The recent agreement signed on new premises for the Kosovo Ombudsperson, in line with the Paris Principles, and the appointment of a new Chair for the Pristina delegation of the Joint Working Group on missing persons, are welcome developments.”

   2016-02-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7637 (2016) · source

8. “As the Secretary-General has so often stressed, the close nexus between peacebuilding and development requires coherence and complementarity with all the United Nations agencies, funds and programmes in Kosovo, as well as with the broader range of multilateral and bilateral development initiatives. That will be another central focus of our efforts this year. Kosovo's legal framework guarantees the protection of human and fundamental rights, but implementation is uneven and directly influenced by political and inter-community tensions. Although Kosovo cannot directly associate itself with international and European human-rights instruments and institutions without facilitation by the United Nations, that has never prevented it from enacting robust human-rights legislation.”

   2016-02-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7637 (2016) · source

9. “Steadily improving the coordination of support for the rule of law should, I believe, remain a central objective this year, and it is one in which the United Nations remains ready to play a part, within the available resources and our mandate. At times, the security and political issues take too much attention away from Kosovo's serious economic development challenges. As the Government has acknowledged, intensive efforts are needed to create more economic growth and opportunity, which in turn would ease political tensions. Despite extensive natural and human resources, few opportunities are opening up for major investment. Unemployment is high. Education needs to be modernized and depoliticized. And harmful environmental practices that significantly affect public health should be systematically addressed.”

   2016-02-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7637 (2016) · source

10. “I refer in particular to the European Commission's Kosovo 2015 report and to the recent report of the Council of Europe on the situation in Kosovo, among others. Building respect for the rule of law and ensuring adequate enforcement are great challenges in many parts of the world. In Kosovo those crucial goals are not always as high on the agenda as they should be. A strong legislative framework is already in place, including several key laws enacted just in the past year. However, its application is inconsistent, the administration of justice is unacceptably slow and instances of political interference are common. Corruption at many levels increases the public's frustration, impairs the daily life of everyone in Kosovo by reducing economic development and opportunity and undermines faith in the political system.”

    2016-02-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7637 (2016) · source

11. “Those include continuing to normalize relations with Belgrade through the European Union-facilitated dialogue, meeting the fiscal and financial obligations set forth by international creditors and ensuring the conditions necessary for full establishment of the special court. The additional and emerging challenges underscore the importance of working with all leaders in Pristina to ensure that those essential commitments do not waver. Several fundamental steps were taken last year towards strengthening Kosovo's European perspective. At the same time, they were accompanied by detailed and at times critical assessments by European bodies of the condition and efficiency of public institutions, especially the Kosovo judiciary.”

    2016-02-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7637 (2016) · source

12. “The intrinsic links among post-conflict development and the enforcement of the rule of law and human rights should be at the centre of a proactive and results-oriented agenda for Kosovo. Political leaders should be more outward-looking in exploring opportunities for regional cooperation - as exemplified by the Western Balkans Investment Summit in London one week ago - rather than focusing on limited political interests. With so much already invested in building stability in Kosovo and the region, continued attention to core issues and more focused deployment of resources can help make the difference between setting a course for progress or decline. Throughout all this, it is important to acknowledge that many essential commitments made by Kosovo's political leadership have remained firm.”

    2016-02-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7637 (2016) · source

13. “The most obvious examples of this has been the repeated use of violence by the opposition to prevent the Kosovo Assembly, as well as other Government institutions, from conducting their work. I have joined many of my colleagues in the international community to stress that adherence to the basic democratic rules of the game is more than simply a responsibility of all political leaders. It is also what empowers the voices and messages of all genuine political actors in the democratic process, including those of the opposition, which otherwise could be squandered and lost. With matters having reached this point, I believe this is an opportune time for everyone to stand back and evaluate, and perhaps also to shift local and international focus away from political battles towards more fundamental issues.”

    2016-02-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7637 (2016) · source

14. “Mr. Tanin: Today is the Security Council's first meeting on Kosovo in 2016. It is taking place at a moment of significant developments, not least of which is the fractious, but successful, election ofa new President on Friday. This is a year in which Kosovo will face countless complex challenges. Accordingly, today I will take time to assess key developments emerging from 2015 and, most important, to look ahead. In recent months, the polarization of the Kosovo political landscape has reached levels where progress is being impeded despite considerable Government efforts to pursue an ambitious reform agenda. The extreme political antagonism has clearly transgressed basic democratic norms.”

    2016-02-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7637 (2016) · source

15. “Our Mission will continue to cooperate closely with all interlocutors and international partners to promote peace and progress, as mandated by the Council.”

    2015-11-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7563 (2015) · source

16. “This transnational issue demands close cooperation among regional and international stakeholders, and in this light Kosovo's recent adoption of a strategy for the prevention of violent extremism and radicalization is one important element. UNMIK continues to support and facilitate the work of Kosovo's institutions, within its mandate and in close coordination with its international partners. Above all, these risks demand improved information-sharing and cooperation among all regional actors and their agencies. Let me conclude my remarks by expressing my deep appreciation to the membership of the Council for its sustained engagement with Belgrade and Pristina, and for its ongoing support of UNMIK. Indeed, this commitment remains essential in order to safeguard the political process.”

    2015-11-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7563 (2015) · source

17. “According to UNHCR, as of 5 November there had been over 650,000 arrivals in Greece by sea since the beginning of the year, the great majority of them transiting northwards via the Western Balkans route. Over 210,000 people were recorded in October alone. The influx of such a large number has stretched capacities and resources. While Kosovo has been less directly affected so far, the Kosovo authorities and the international presences are working together to prepare contingencies. UNMIK is monitoring the situation, in close coordination with UNHCR and all partners in the region. As we have just witnessed in the tragic events in Paris, the phenomenon of violent extremism is a very current and global concern, and the Western Balkans region is no exception.”

    2015-11-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7563 (2015) · source

18. “No more than 427 individuals had returned as of October, according to the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). I call upon all stakeholders to increase available resources so that more voluntary returns to and within Kosovo will be encouraged and sustained. The Ministry for Communities and Returns is presently working on essential legislation specifically to protect the rights of displaced persons, and I urge that this law be passed as a matter of priority. Resilience and stability in the region are being further tested at present amid the influx of refugees and migrants transiting through the Western Balkans in unprecedented numbers.”

    2015-11-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7563 (2015) · source

19. “The focus should remain on the needs of the surviving family members waiting for clarity on the fate of their loved ones. I welcome the recent cooperation shown by Belgrade and Pristina in the framework of the Working Group on Missing Persons, chaired by the International Committee of the Red Cross. I would like also to echo the Secretary-General's message in the report on the importance of continued progress in the process of the establishment of the specialist court, as agreed between the European Union and Kosovo. With regard to the return to Kosovo of persons displaced as a result of the conflict and its aftermath, the current trend indicates that the number of returnees in 2015 will be the lowest since the year 2000.”

    2015-11-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7563 (2015) · source

20. “Ultimately, however, the onus is on political leaders to take responsibility for setting a tone that furthers reconciliation and the normalization of relations. During this period, Kosovo's application to UNESCO weighed heavily in public sentiment and debate. However, I would say that too often public debate and diplomatic struggles have tended to blur the underlying issues. The protection and preservation of cultural and religious heritage should remain the subject of intensive communication between Belgrade and Pristina, including through the Brussels dialogue. We remain closely engaged with all the stakeholders to support consensual and lasting solutions. Reconciliation also requires enhanced efforts to determine the fate ofpersons missing from the conflict; more than 1,600 persons are still unaccounted for.”

    2015-11-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7563 (2015) · source

21. “I commend the restraint demonstrated by the Kosovo institutions in the face of serious provocations, and I urge all parties to participate in dialogue and allow a constructive political discourse, which is vital to progress in Kosovo. The rule of law must be applied equally; any persons who resort to violence must be held to account. Political progress or its absence directly affects the circumstances and atmosphere on the ground in Kosovo. Despite progress in many areas, there remain signs of deep public frustration, along with unfortunate political tendencies to lapse into divisive rhetoric. Our mission and our international partners continue to work with local communities and central authorities to reduce tension whenever it arises.”

    2015-11-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7563 (2015) · source

22. “Members of the political opposition used tear gas and other objects in the Assembly chamber, includingjust two days ago when the use ofpepper spray and tear gas once again forced the Assembly to relocate its session. Clashes between opposition supporters and Kosovo police have also resulted in injuries to police officers and damage to public and private property. The opposition parties have expressed their intention to continue trying to block sessions of the Assembly. I have strongly deplored these violent and unacceptable actions. Argument and debate belong in Kosovo's democratically elected Assembly; force and intimidation do not.”

    2015-11-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7563 (2015) · source

23. “The Agreement not only expresses the commitment of Kosovo to its European path, but equally the European commitment to Kosovo. Just as importantly, it should open the door to increased trade and investment, as well as improved prospects for the economic growth and employment opportunities so sorely needed in Kosovo, in particular for its young population. The ratification of the Agreement by the Assembly of Kosovo demonstrated the ability ofthe institutions to recognize and capitalize on long-term strategic interests. As I stressed at the outset, however, the current political challenges are also very serious. On several occasions during this period, violent tactics and disruptive behaviour impeded the proceedings of the Assembly of Kosovo, the institution at the core of the democratic process.”

    2015-11-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7563 (2015) · source

24. “The Court issued a temporary suspension of implementation, pending issuance of its opinion within 60 days, raising concerns about the possibility of delays. Ijoin in urging all stakeholders involved to ensure that the commitments agreed to are reviewed in short order and fulfilled on schedule. For Kosovo, a major step forward was taken on 27 October, when Prime Minister Isa Mustafa and Minister of European Integration and Chief Negotiator Bekim Collaku, together with the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Federica Mogherini, and the Commissioner for European Neighbourhood Policy and Enlargement Negotiations, Johannes Hahn, signed a Stabilization and Association Agreement. I wish to congratulate the leadership in Pristina on this achievement.”

    2015-11-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7563 (2015) · source

25. “Leaders in Pristina and Belgrade continue to demonstrate a far- sighted commitment to putting the people's interests first. Regardless of shorter-term political posturing and problems, I perceive an underlying resolve on both sides to use the dialogue to overcome some of the most difficult issues affecting mutual relations. The gains, however, face continued challenges that are affecting the full and timely implementation of the agreements, as we have seen in the past few days. Implementation of the terms agreed on between the parties on 25 August in Brussels began during this period. On l7 October, work commenced on the revitalization on the Mitrovica bridge as part of this implementation. On 30 October, Kosovo President Atifete J ahjaga submitted the agreement for review by the Constitutional Court.”

    2015-11-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7563 (2015) · source

26. “I arrived amid renewed political turbulence in Kosovo, and developments during the past week have produced additional potential setbacks to the implementation of the Belgrade-Pristina dialogue led by the European Union (EU). I have met with the top leadership in both Pristina and Belgrade, as well as with our international partners and with political, community and religious leaders on the ground. It is clear to me that we require strong leadership from both Pristina and Belgrade, as well as equally cohesive actions among the international presences, if progress is to be sustained. Genuine progress was achieved at the EU- facilitated meeting in Brussels on 25 August, leading to a package of agreements, including on the general principles and main elements of the Association/ Community of Serb-majority municipalities.”

    2015-11-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7563 (2015) · source

27. “Mr. Tanin: This is my first time briefing the Council since I was appointed Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Kosovo and Head of the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK). I would like to begin by stressing that the Council's continuing support to the Mission remains crucial as we focus on promoting stability, political progress and respect for human rights in Kosovo and, indeed, in the region. The report before the Council (S/2015/833) details developments from mid-July to mid-October, but today I would like to draw attention to a few key trends and concerns that I have observed since taking up my post in early October.”

    2015-11-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7563 (2015) · source

28. “In order to do so, Afghanistan must protect the gains made in the last 14 years and present a united front against all agents who are working to destabilize the country. The role of our neighbours in the region, as well as of the international community, is essential in supporting Afghanistan during its transformation decade to achieve lasting peace and stability.”

    2015-09-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7526 (2015) · source

29. “As President Ghani has noted, 2015 will test Afghanistan's will and capacity as a nation to address reforms across all sectors - social, economic, security and electoral. I would like to reiterate that the challenges faced by Afghanistan are many; but the country and the people have proven, time and again, that it wants peace over conflict, progress over repression, unity over factionalism, prosperity over hostility and inclusive growth over isolation. Today Afghanistan's vibrant civil society, free media, improved social indicators and successful democratic transition of power all signal that there is significant potential to put the last three decades of devastation behind us and move forward.”

    2015-09-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7526 (2015) · source

30. “The framework for review will allow the beginning of a new relationship between Afghanistan and the United Nations in the coming years. The success of the transformation decade is strongly based on the constant engagement and support from our international partners, not only today but in the future. To further this goal, the agreement reached during the senior officials meeting earlier this month on a renewed mutual accountability framework is a significant milestone in Afghanistan's relationship with the international community. Afghanistan looks forward to the future conferences on Afghanistan in Warsaw and Brussels. Although much has been gained in Afghanistan, much remains to be addressed.”

    2015-09-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7526 (2015) · source

31. “The Commission examined the United Nations engagement in the country, with a focus on the areas where the United Nations adds the most value and with a view to ensuring that the United Nations serves to maximize the support of the international community for Afghanistan and its people. The discussion focused on three themes: the United Nations principle of engagement, the Government's commitment and obligations and the future United Nations presence in Afghanistan. The Government is certain that the outcome of these efforts will provide the country, the Security Council and the United Nations a framework for the effective engagement of all United Nations activities and entities, including UNAMA and all United Nations agencies, funds and programmes in Afghanistan.”

    2015-09-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7526 (2015) · source

32. “The role of the United Nations has been pivotal in Afghanistan in the past 14 years, not only by coordinating international civilian activities for establishing peace and security, but also by supporting the Government in all areas of political stability, good governance, institution-building, aid coherence, human rights and the coordination of humanitarian needs. The Tripartite Commission and the Government of Afghanistan have embarked upon a full re-examination of the role, structure and activities of all United Nations entities in Afghanistan. I am happy to say that Mr. Haysom and his colleagues played an important role in moving this process forward.”

    2015-09-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7526 (2015) · source

33. “Afghanistan's partnership with the international community has been paramount to the achievements of Afghanistan over the past 14 years, and is essential to realizing the lasting goal of peace, stability, and prosperity in the years to come. Without the engagement of the international community and the United Nations, be it in the form of aid, expertise, manpower or the sacrifices of soldiers and civilian workers, the progress seen in Afghanistan would not be possible today. The Afghan people and the Government are grateful and recognize the contributions of the international community as a whole, and particularly those of all Afghan partners.”

    2015-09-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7526 (2015) · source

34. “The recommendations of the Commission include the allotting of one-third of Parliament's 250 seats to political parties, the restructuring of the current Independent Election Commission; the creation of a clear voter identification system ahead of future polling, and moving to an electoral system that divides provinces into smaller voting districts that can be easily quarantined in case offraud. The proper implementation of that reform process would bring about necessary changes by ensuring free and fair elections in the future. In order to reflect those reforms, the election law was revised earlier this week by a presidential decree, and a calendar for the parliamentary and district council elections will also be announced in the near future.”

    2015-09-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7526 (2015) · source

35. “The Government is focused not only on curbing this illicit trade, but also on tackling all financial channels that are providing the basis for criminal networks to be linked at all levels in the region and globally. In order to achieve that goal, the Government has formed an interministerial commission to clamp down on the narcotics trade and the financial corruption that goes with it. To further the reform process, the National Unity Government has taken important steps to revise the election law and presented its reform proposal to the Government.”

    2015-09-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7526 (2015) · source

36. “The promotion of good governance is a cornerstone of the Government's reform agenda. One of the central pillars of the reform agenda is to effectively tackle the scourge of corruption. The institutions created by the Government - such as the National Procurement Commission, the comprehensive reorganization and review of the Supreme Court and other measures dealing with institutions and individuals involved in corruption - are essential to the transformation of the anti-corruption efforts into practical, measurable outputs. The efforts of the National Unity Government against corruption also include a series of important measures in dealing with the illicit drug trade, with its overall implications for the economy, polity, society and the rule of law in all parts of the country.”

    2015-09-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7526 (2015) · source

37. “The sixth Regional Economic Cooperation Conference on Afghanistan, held earlier this month in Kabul, also elaborated further on ways to develop and consolidate partnerships towards promoting regional economic cooperation in Afghanistan and across the region. We look forward to the next ministerial-level meeting of the Heart of Asia-Istanbul Process in Islamabad as another important step in strengthening confidence-building and partnership in the region. As we approach the first anniversary of the establishment of the National Unity Government, greater attention is being paid to ensuring the effective implementation of vital reforms to strengthen economic growth, improve governance, eradicate corruption, introduce electoral reforms and protect human rights, particularly the rights of women.”

    2015-09-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7526 (2015) · source

38. “Integrating Afghanistan as the centre of an economic hub focused on transit, transportation and trade for the next two decades remains imperative to achieving economic self-sufficiency and shared economic prosperity. Afghanistan's vision for advancing regional economic goals - whether through its role as the Asian roundabout between the energy suppliers in Central Asia and the energy consumers in South Asia, or through the growing number of cross- border agreements to share services in health, rural development and training - is bound up with its economic agenda for the transformation decade.”

    2015-09-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7526 (2015) · source

39. “Despite some of the apparent setbacks in the process of peace talks following the announcement of the death of the Taliban leader Mullah Omar and the benighted leadership changes in its ranks, we are hopeful that the prospect of a political settlement will not fade; however, it requires reciprocal steps, a responsible attitude on the part of all sides, mutual determination and real commitment. The regional cooperation agenda is not limited to peace and security, but extends to the economy, development and prosperity as well, since the future of the region can be fostered and strengthened only through connectivity and greater cooperation. We all know that the stability of Afghanistan at the heart of Asia is essential to the stability of the wider region.”

    2015-09-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7526 (2015) · source

40. “The Government has reached out with the message of peace and reconciliation, not only to the Afghan Taliban, who are willing to stop fighting and join the peace process, but also to neighbouring countries. One of the first steps taken by President Ghani was to embark on a process of ending the undeclared state of war between Afghanistan and Pakistan and starting a new era of peace and cooperation. That process has been largely supported by the Afghan people and the first rounds of peace talks with the Taliban led to a surge of optimism about the prospects for peace and an end of the violence.”

    2015-09-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7526 (2015) · source

41. “In the face ofincreasing violence and instability, the ANSF, which assumed full responsibility for security after the departure of thousands of international forces, have through their sacrifices, patriotism, resilience and commitment demonstrated time and again that they are ready to face the challenges posed by the Taliban and terrorist and violent extremist groups. The ANSF are at the forefront of the defence of the country and security of the Afghan people; they present a bulwark against letting Afghanistan slip back into the chaos and destruction of the vicious civil war, as happened in 19905. The National Unity Government is committed to making every effort to move Afghanistan on a path of stability, peace and security.”

    2015-09-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7526 (2015) · source

42. “While the enemies of Afghanistan have failed to achieve the aim of gaining control of territories and breaking the will of the Afghan National Security Forces (ANSF), they have continued their brutal campaign of violence and coercion trying to destabilize the country and terrorize the Afghan people. We have seen those heinous attempts in a number of highly sophisticated recent terrorist attacks, such as that of 7 August, which claimed hundreds of casualities, including women and children.”

    2015-09-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7526 (2015) · source

43. “This is my last statement to the Security Council on the situation on Afghanistan, as I am leaving at the end of this month to assume my new responsibilities. As I sit in the midst of friends and colleagues in the Council Chamber, I would like to express my heartfelt appreciation, especially to those I have had the pleasure of working closely with in the past few years. I thank them for their friendship and cooperation. In recent months, Afghanistan has experienced a challenging security situation in terms of increasing violence and heinous attacks by the Taliban and other terrorist and violent extremist groups.”

    2015-09-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7526 (2015) · source

44. “I would like to express my sincere congratulations to you, Sir, on your leadership of the Security Council for this month. I also thank the Secretary-General for his recent report on the situation in Afghanistan and its implications for international peace and security (S/2015/684), and my good friend, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan, Mr. Nicholas Haysom, for his comprehensive briefing. I also thank Mr. Yury Fedotov, Executive Director of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, for his briefing and his presence today. I am very grateful for the role Spain is playing as the penholder of Afghanistan and for its capable work in the Security Council.”

    2015-09-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7526 (2015) · source

45. “While Afghanistan faces great challenges, the country is steadily realizing the goals ofthe transformation decade and moving towards a brighter future. As we do so, we know that our ongoing partnerships and the support of the international community will be essential to the peace and stability of Afghanistan, the region and the world.”

    2015-06-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7467 (2015) · source

46. “During the visit, President Ghani addressed the American people and the Congress and held enormously productive discussions with President Obama and the leadership of the United States. Together they announced a new development partnership, which will mobilize up to $800 million in economic assistance for Afghan development and reform priorities. President Ghani concluded his visit in New York, where he underlined the importance of the United Nations-Afghan partnership at meetings with the Secretary-General, His Excellency Mr. Ban Ki-moon, and the leadership of the United Nations. At a time when new conflicts and wars plague the world and divert our attention and resources, the continuing cooperation and support of the international community is crucial to Afghanistan's future.”

    2015-06-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7467 (2015) · source

47. “Afghanistan has also signed the draft Afghanistan-Pakistan- Tajikistan Trilateral Transit Trade Agreement, and the final pending documents for the Central Asia-South Asia Electricity Transmission and Trade Project, which will strengthen Afghanistan's potential to become the capital of the continental economy, a hub in the Heart of Asia. We look forward to the Sixth Regional Economic Cooperation Conference on Afghanistan in September, which will be an important step towards ensuring further cooperation and better connections in the region. Our international partnerships remain vital to Afghanistan's long-term development and prosperity. The historic Visit to the United States of the Afghan high-level delegation led by President Ghani in March reaffirmed our commitment to the United States-Afghan strategic partnership.”

    2015-06-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7467 (2015) · source

48. “To that end, in March the Government established a Special Commission on Electoral Reform, which includes representatives of civil society and the United Nations, and this month the Government announced plans to finalize the election calendar in one month's time. Afghanistan continues to strengthen cooperation with all our neighbours and countries in the region as part of a broader framework for regional cooperation. In the last three months, President Ghani has engaged the leadership of Iran, India, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, and Afghan senior officials have participated in key regional meetings - including the Heart of Asia-Istanbul Process meeting on 25 May.”

    2015-06-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7467 (2015) · source

49. “That sets an important precedent and shows that the Government's commitment to increasing women's participation is not merely symbolic, but part of a systematic policy aimed at including women at the highest levels of decision-making. The national unity Government is working closely with our international partners to protect and promote the rights of all Afghan citizens. Last week, the Afghanistan-European Union Human Rights Dialogue was launched in Kabul to provide a forum in which to discuss, coordinate and synergize a full range of human-rights issues. The national unity Government is also focused on fulfilling its commitment to carry out comprehensive electoral reforms.”

    2015-06-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7467 (2015) · source

50. “The Government has also requested presentations from major donors, international financial institutions and the United Nations on their development portfolios, and it is actively engaged in the upcoming examination of the role, structure and activities of all United Nations entities in Afghanistan, as mandated by the Council. The agenda for reform and transformation is guided by a strong commitment to advance the rights of all Afghan people - particularly the rights of women. There are now 4 female Cabinet ministers and one female governor, and President Ghani has pledged to appoint more women to senior Government positions, including ambassadorial posts. Last week, President Ghani introduced Afghanistan's first female Supreme Court nominee.”

    2015-06-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7467 (2015) · source