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

“In the months and years ahead, the sustained support of the international community, including through the NATO-Afghanistan Enduring Partnership and the Resolute Support Mission, as well as the commitments made at the Bonn Conference; the Chicago, Lisbon and Wales Summits; and the recent NATO ministerial meeting in Brussels, will continue to be essential to enhancing the capacity and capabilities of the Afghan forces in the years ahead. At the same time, the Government of Afghanistan recognizes that a political solution is essential to stopping the violence and the continuing terror campaign. To that end, an extensive reconciliation process with the armed opposition is high on the Government's agenda.”
2014-12-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7347 (2014) · source
“While the people and leadership of Afghanistan are confident that the country is moving in a positive direction, the challenges Afghanistan faces are formidable. Insecurity remains the main impediment to progress across the country. In the past several months, terrorists and insurgent groups have intensified attacks in an attempt to deplete national confidence in the new Government and to intimidate the Afghan people. As they commit acts of violence and brutality against innocent men, women and children, extremist armed groups should know that the courageous Afghan security forces stand ready to fight for the future of Afghan democracy, peace and security. Their resilience, particularly during the election period and throughout the past year, demonstrates their commitment to protecting the lives of Afghans and the future of the country.”
2014-12-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7347 (2014) · source
“This is a historic step towards a new beginning in Afghanistan and a key marker of the country's transition to a new chapter in its relations with the international community. This monumental achievement comes on the heels of another significant moment in the history of Afghanistan, and another major victory for the transition agenda: the presidential elections. While complex and challenging, the elections culminated in the first peaceful transfer of power from one elected leader to another in the country. The agreement of Afghanistan's leaders to put the country's successful future ahead of political division and establish a National Unity Government fostered an environment of hopefulness, inclusivity and political consensus and cemented the foundation for lasting peace and prosperity in Afghanistan.”
2014-12-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7347 (2014) · source
“I would also like to take this opportunity to express my appreciation to Ambassador Quinlan and the Permanent Mission of Australia for their support and great efforts as penholder on Afghanistan on the Council for the past two years. The international military combat mission in Afghanistan, authorized under Chapter VII of the Charter of the United Nations 13 years ago in the aftermath of the 911 attacks, will officially end in 14 days. Just a few days ago, the Council adopted resolution 2189 (2014), which reaffirms the completion of the mandate of the International Security Assistance Force and welcomes the Resolute Support Mission, aimed at training, advising and assisting the Afghan National Security and Defence Forces on the basis of agreements between the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, NATO and the United States.”
2014-12-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7347 (2014) · source
“At the outset, I would like to thank the Republic of Chad for its leadership of the Security Council this month and for having convened this debate. I thank the Secretary-General for his comprehensive report on the situation in Afghanistan (S/2014/876). I also welcome the statement of Mr. Haysom, Special Representative of the Secretary- General and Head of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan, and congratulate him on his recent appointment. I would like to thank Mr. Yury Fedotov, Executive Director of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, for his presence here today and for his briefing.”
2014-12-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7347 (2014) · source
“To that end, the Government of Afghanistan is embarking upon an ambitious reform agenda aimed at bringing peace and prosperity to the country. I would like to take this opportunity to express the Government of Afghanistan's profound gratitude to the NATO and partner countries and their international forces, who have sacrificed their blood and treasure to support Afghanistan in its fight to advance peace and security in the country. With the ongoing support of our international partners, including through the Resolute Support Mission, and the vigorous work of the new Government of Afghanistan, their efforts will not have been in vain.”
2014-12-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7338 (2014) · source
“No doubt, there are challenges ahead. Al-Qaida and the Taliban continue to launch brutal terror attacks. Just yesterday, a suicide bomber attacked a French school in Kabul, killing civilians and injuring 15. A few weeks ago, a suicide bomber attacked a crowd watching a volleyball match in Paktika province, killing over 50 people and wounding more than 60 others. Those are but a few examples ofa series of horrific attacks on civilians in Kabul and around the country. In the face of those challenges, the new President and the national unity Government of Afghanistan look forward to strengthening cooperation with our NATO, regional and international partners. We understand that peace and stability cannot be achieved through security measures alone.”
2014-12-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7338 (2014) · source
“In just 19 days, Afghan National Defense and Security Forces (ANDSF) will assume full responsibility for the security of the country as the transition process comes to a close on December 31. The adoption of this resolution is a clear indication of the continuing support of the Council and the international community for the efforts of the Afghan people and the Government of Afghanistan to bring peace, stability, democracy and prosperity to the country throughout the transformation decade. At this crucial juncture in our history, this resolution signifies the necessity of enduring and long-term support for Afghanistan. As the transformation decade begins, we are grateful to our NATO and international partners for their commitment to train, advise and assist the ANDSF after the completion of the ISAF mission.”
2014-12-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7338 (2014) · source
“At the outset, I would like to thank the Republic of Chad for its leadership of the Security Council during this month. I would also like to thank Council members for the adoption of resolution 2189 (2014), which is of vital importance to ongoing stabilization efforts and to the future of Afghanistan. I also thank Ambassador Quinlan and his team at the Permanent Mission of Australia for their hard work and able facilitation of the resolution, as well as for their dedication as the penholder on Afghanistan. This resolution has been adopted as the mission of the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) ends and a new phase in Afghanistan's history begins.”
2014-12-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7338 (2014) · source
“For those reasons, we welcome the opportunities provided to us by the upcoming twentieth anniversary of the Beijing Conference on Women, the fifteenth anniversary of resolution 1325 (2000) and the adoption of the sustainable development goals to make further progress on the issue of women and peace and security, and the agenda for women in Afghanistan and for women around the world.”
2014-10-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7289 (2014) · source
“The Government of Afghanistan believes adamantly that their participation is critical to preserving and enhancing the gains of the past 12 years and to the future stability, democracy, prosperity and peace of the country. In that regard, the international community's continued support for Afghanistan's efforts to advance women's rights and status remains crucial. Afghan women have suffered immensely as a result of Taliban rule, extremism and decades of war. Only when they are free from violence, want and fear will we be able to secure stability and lasting peace in Afghanistan.”
2014-10-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7289 (2014) · source
“We are also dedicated to promoting the participation of women in the security sector and aim to increase the number of women police officers from the current 2,230 to 10,000 by 2017. As Afghanistan prepares for the full transfer of security responsibility from international to Afghan forces at the end of 2014, the President and new leadership of the country are committed to a comprehensive reform agenda. Over the next two years, Afghanistan will hold district and parliamentary elections, reform electoral laws, convene a loya jirga to consider amendments to the Constitution and conduct a reinvigorated outreach and reconciliation process with the armed opposition. Throughout, the active role of all segments of the Afghan population, particularly Afghan women, will be essential.”
2014-10-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7289 (2014) · source
“The President made that clear in his inaugural address, in which he pledged to promote women's advancement in Afghanistan and praised his wife, Rula Ghani, for the role she would play as an active public figure dedicated to promoting women's rights. This gesture is a first for our young democracy. Just a few days ago, Afghanistan signed the women and peace and security national action plan, which aims to make progress on the four main areas ofparticipation, protection, conflict prevention and relief and recovery. We appreciate the Government of Finland's support for the development of the plan and remain committed to implementing the women and peace and security agenda through key institutions and the national action plan for the women of Afghanistan.”
2014-10-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7289 (2014) · source
“Despite those challenges, Afghanistan has arrived at an important turning point that offers tremendous opportunity for strengthened progress on the women and peace and security agenda. Last month, the new President was inaugurated, representing the first democratic transition from one elected president to the next in the country's history. In this year's presidential and provincial council elections, millions of women participated as voters, and hundreds played a significant role as candidates and as campaigners, despite facing threats and intimidation. Their involvement set the tone for an Afghanistan in which women participate and contribute equally to the country's future. President Ghani Ahmadzai and the national unity Government are committed to women's full and equal participation at all levels of governance and decision-making.”
2014-10-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7289 (2014) · source
“In the past year, there has been a rise in the violent activities of the Taliban, terrorists groups and other anti-Government armed opposition and the greatest increase in civilian deaths ofthe past 13 years, including many of women and girls. The Taliban and other anti-Government elements continue to launch targeted attacks and intimidation campaigns against women from all spectrums of society, from schoolgirls to female leaders, including women police officers, human rights defenders, media personnel and politicians. Insecurity has also hampered the Government's ability to prosecute human rights abusers and uphold the rule of law, thereby exacerbating women's vulnerability to sexual and gender-based violence, domestic abuse, harassment, forced marriage and other crimes.”
2014-10-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7289 (2014) · source
“The people of Afghanistan, particularly women and girls, have suffered immensely as a result of almost 40 years of war and conflict. The violence in my country has shattered their lives, interrupted their educations, threatened their livelihoods, destroyed their communities and pushed them from their homes to other countries or to unfamiliar cities and slums. Afghanistan's refugee situation remains the largest protracted such situation in the world, and this year the number of internally displaced persons (IDPs) has increased due to a resurgence of insecurity in parts of the country. Women suffer disproportionately in situations of displacement. They often lack access to the most basic services and resources and are at a higher risk of discrimination and human rights abuses.”
2014-10-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7289 (2014) · source
“I thank you, Madam President, for organizing such an important meeting, and congratulations on your leadership of the Council this month. I would also like to thank previous speakers for their statements and the Secretary-General for his recent report (S/2014/693) on women and peace and security. I look forward to his global study of the implementation of resolution 1325 (2000) and the upcoming high-level review of the resolution. This debate could not have come at a more timely moment. War and conflict affect more lives today - all over the world, but particularly in Afghanistan and the wider region - than at any time in recent history. Millions of families have been forced to flee their homes, and millions of women and children have been left vulnerable, bearing the brunt of the burden of those tragic circumstances.”
2014-10-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7289 (2014) · source
“Nations are building their own future, but in today's world the international community has an important role to play in helping war-affected countries emerging from conflict. That is why we are here again today in the Council to debate the situation in Afghanistan. After 13 years of tremendous work and substantial gains, the Afghan people yearn to live in peace and security. As we move forward, stability is paramount, not only to my country and my people, but also to the wider neighbourhood, and countries in the region have a major stake in peace and security in Afghanistan. It is crucial that the country not again become a backdrop for political rivalries, and that the region and the wider international community stand by us to support the successful end of the election process.”
2014-09-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7267 (2014) · source
“We welcome the declaration of NATO in Wales earlier this month that it stands ready to train, advise and assist the Afghan National Security Forces after 2014, and its enduring commitment to the country throughout the transformation decade. Ongoing support from our international partners is of vital importance as international forces draw down and the Afghan forces take full responsibility for security throughout the country. We also look forward to enhanced cooperation between Afghanistan and the donor community. The ministerial development conference to be held in London on 25 November will allow us to reaffirm and renew existing commitments as part of the Tokyo Mutual Accountability Framework and to strengthen Afghanistan's long-term partnership with the international community.”
2014-09-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7267 (2014) · source
“At the same time, regional cooperation will remain essential, not only to peace and reconciliation, but also to stability and progress in the wider neighbourhood. Afghanistan is dedicated to strengthening bilateral and multilateral engagements to enhance development and trade and to counter terrorism, extremism and sources of instability in the region. The upcoming Istanbul Process conference in Tianjin, China, will be an important step in that regard, and we appreciate China's leadership in moving the initiative forward. Afghanistan is committed to long-term partnerships with the international community, which will be crucial to the success of the transformation decade and beyond.”
2014-09-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7267 (2014) · source
“While immediate dangers require urgent focus, the successful conclusion of the election process and the formation of a new Government will allow for further progress on Afghanistan's long-term priorities and commitments. The country continues to look forward to advancing towards its goals so that it can realize sustainable peace, stability and prosperity at last. The imminent democratic transition offers an opportunity to reinvigorate efforts towards wider reform, inclusivity and the participation of all segments of Afghan society in the country's future. A new beginning will also allow for further progress on the peace and reconciliation agenda so that the armed opposition will lay down their arms and contribute to a peaceful and prosperous Afghanistan.”
2014-09-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7267 (2014) · source
“While the Afghan National Security Forces have countered the majority of insurgents, and in doing so demonstrated ability, professionalism and courage, the shadow of the violence continues to loom large over Afghanistan. Thirdly, there is a dangerous atmosphere of division and fragmentation. The political impasse has jeopardized the resounding hope and enthusiasm so prevalent on election day, and with them the Afghan people's optimism for the country's future. We have worked tirelessly over the past decade to build national consensus and unity, but over the past several months, fears of a return to the dark days of the past have reemerged. The Afghan nation would like to see humility, reason and restraint triumph over mistrust and division; only that will allow the country to build a peaceful and democratic future.”
2014-09-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7267 (2014) · source
“The Government is doing its utmost to keep the financial stability of the country intact, but it will be difficult to resolve the impending crisis without international support. Secondly, the security situation is worsening. The Taliban and other terrorist and violent extremist groups took advantage of the electoral impasse to destabilize the country with violence. Their use of suicide attacks, improvised explosive devices and rocket mortars in populated areas have caused a surge in casualties of civilians and security personnel, making this the deadliest period for the Afghan National Security Forces and the Afghan people since 2001. Cross-border shelling has further contributed to a dismal security situation and associated loss of life.”
2014-09-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7267 (2014) · source
“The meeting decided that the elders would meet with the two candidates tomorrow morning, Friday, 19 September, to help reach a quick agreement. The past six months have been extremely challenging for the people of Afghanistan. The electoral impasse has seriously impacted the economy of the country, the security of the country and the mindset of its people. In order to ensure future stability, the following issues require the immediate focus of Afghanistan and its international partners, First, the economic situation is increasingly dire, exacerbated by the political uncertainty surrounding the elections dispute. The past several months have seen a steep drop in economic growth, domestic revenue collection and national income, amounting to billions of dollars in losses and threatening the long- term stability of the country.”
2014-09-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7267 (2014) · source
“The Afghan people are eager to move past this difficult chapter and to see a new Government start its work, in the spirit of national unity, to preserve the gains of the past decade and bring peace and prosperity to all. As President Karzai reiterated yesterday, the Afghan people urgently need to see the process come to a close and a new President and Government inaugurated. President Hamid Karzai chaired a meeting this morning with the elders, thejihadi leaders and the heads of the chief branches of the State to discuss election issues and the negotiations between the two candidates. Participants in the meeting expressed concern over a prolonged election process and said that people have grown restless and are worried.”
2014-09-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7267 (2014) · source
“On behalf of the Government and the people of Afghanistan, I would like to express my appreciation to all domestic and international observers and staff who worked day and night to complete the audit. We are grateful to the international community, particularly the United States and the United Nations - and namely to President Obama and Secretary John Kerry, who remained in touch with the candidates either by phone or directly by travelling to Afghanistan - as well as to Mr. Jan Kubis and other United Nations colleagues for supporting the audit process and for their role in facilitating negotiations and cooperation between the two campaign teams. The Afghan people expect those efforts to bring a successful and prompt end to the process. The audit has now been completed, and we await the announcement of the final results.”
2014-09-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7267 (2014) · source
“Following the agreement, the Independent Election Commission, in close collaboration with the United Nations and the international community, carried out an audit in accordance with Afghan laws and international standards. In an exercise unprecedented in scale and complexity, the Commission evaluated every single vote cast in the run-off, from 22,828 ballot boxes and all 34 provinces. The audit was conducted under extensive national and international observation and supervision to protect the credibility and fairness of the election results. It has been an immense undertaking, involving hundreds of United Nations staff, diplomatic personnel, international and domestic observers, agents from each campaign and Afghan electoral staff.”
2014-09-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7267 (2014) · source
“However, despite the impressive turnout and enthusiasm of millions of Afghans, the elections have turned into a protracted, complex and even at times messy process, with many unforeseeable challenges. Disputes related to allegations of fraud in the second round and subsequent political turmoil necessitated substantial efforts to avoid a crisis. To that end, with the support of the international community, both presidential candidates signed a joint declaration on 8 August, in line with the political and technical frameworks agreed on 12 July. The declaration detailed their unified vision for a full audit, based on agreed criteria prepared by the United Nations, and the formation of a national unity Government consistent with the Afghan Constitution.”
2014-09-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7267 (2014) · source
“On 5 April and 14 June, millions of Afghans cast their votes to elect the future leader of the country, risking their lives and defying Afghanistan's enemies to exercise their democratic rights. In doing so, they demonstrated remarkable bravery in the face of terrorism and a stalwart commitment to a peaceful, democratic and prosperous Afghanistan. The elections marked the end of Afghanistan's transition and the beginning of the transformation decade - a moment of tremendous importance as the country emerges from over 30 years of war. For the Afghan people, the elections represented an historic opportunity to vote for hope, democracy and lasting peace.”
2014-09-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7267 (2014) · source
“I congratulate the United States on its successful leadership of the Council this month. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank Mr. J an Kubis, Special Representative of the Secretary- General, for his briefing and for his outstanding leadership of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan. His tireless work over the past several months has been essential as Afghanistan grapples with a challenging election period. As the end of Mr. Kubis's tenure approaches, I wish him every success in his future endeavours. I also wish to thank the Secretary- General and his team for their support of my country throughout the election process, and for the Secretary- General's recent report (S/2014/656) on the situation in Afghanistan.”
2014-09-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7267 (2014) · source
“Afghanistan faces profound challenges in its fight to find peace, but we are committed to doing our utmost to end child recruitment and enhance child protection in the country. We cannot do this alone; we call on our international partners to maintain their support in order to help us achieve our goals. As Afghanistan looks towards a bright new future with the conclusion of the elections process, we hope to strive towards an Afghanistan in which all children are able to live in freedom and in peace, and the horrors of war and violence are but distant facts of history.”
2014-09-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7259 (2014) · source
“In addition, the Government has pioneered age-verification procedures in Heart, in the western part of the country, and aims to extend this good practice throughout the country and to share similar good practices with developing countries elsewhere in the world. On 1 August, Afghanistan reaffirmedits commitment to ending child recruitment into the Afghan security forces by endorsing a road map towards compliance, with the support of the Office of the Special Representative of the Secretary General for Children and Armed Conflict, the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan, and UNICEF. My Government looks forward to continuing its efforts to implement the national action plan and uphold the commitments laid out in the road map.”
2014-09-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7259 (2014) · source
“Noting this terrible reality, my Government has established a series of policies and practices aimed at mitigating child recruitment. In 2010, Afghanistan launched an inter-ministerial steering committee on children and armed conflict. In 2011, the committee developed a national action plan to end and prevent the recruitment of children into the Afghan National Security Forces. Since then, among other reforms, my Government has established child protection units within the Afghan National Police and Afghan local police recruitment centres; those in the western region rejected 132 boys from voluntary enlistment in 2013. High-level focal points have been assigned to promote the protection of children within the Afghan National Police, the Afghan local police, and the Afghan National Army.”
2014-09-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7259 (2014) · source
“The Taliban threaten girls and their teachers with acid attacks, killings, injury and abduction to prevent them from attending school. Terrorist groups attack schools, plant IEDs inside school premises, and detonate IEDs and suicide bombs close by. In 2013, schools were attacked in at least 73 such incidents, resulting in the deaths and injuries of dozens of children. In parts of the country, the fragile security situation has forced the closure of hundreds of schools, affecting 115,000 children in 2013 alone. The Government of Afghanistan deplores the use of children in war and affirms that child recruitment is unacceptable in all cases. It is tragic that Afghan children attempt to join the national and local police and army, and that they are compelled to lie about their age in order to serve and earn money for their families.”
2014-09-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7259 (2014) · source
“In Afghanistan, children have suffered immeasurably as a result of over 30 years of war. Their childhoods have been compromised and characterized by persistent violence, killing and loss. Today, resurgent conflict and pernicious extremism continue to cause children tremendous suffering. They are caught in the crossfire of military operations, explosions of improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and deadly suicide attacks. They are exploited by terrorists who force them to serve as combatants, suicide attackers, manufacturers and planters of IEDs, and even sex slaves. The enemies ofAfghanistan, in flagrant violation of international law, deny Afghan children - particularly girls - their fundamental right to education.”
2014-09-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7259 (2014) · source
“Ithank you, Mr. President, for convening this timely meeting on children and armed conflict and for the United States' able leadership of the Council this month. I would like to thank Ms. Leila Zerrougui, Special Representative of the Secretary- General for Children and Armed Conflict, and her Office for their tireless efforts towards mitigating the devastating impact of war on children, and the other speakers for their statements. Afghanistan aligns itself with the statement delivered by the representative of Indonesia on behalf of the Organization ofIslamic Cooperation. Children around the world suffer enormously as a result of war, violence and armed conflict. This devastating reality is even more widespread today due to the upsurge of bloody conflict and brutal extremism in Iraq, Gaza and South Sudan and around the world.”
2014-09-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7259 (2014) · source
“It is our fundamental responsibility to ensure that peace and democracy are secure in Afghanistan today, tomorrow and throughout the transformation decade.”
2014-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7208 (2014) · source
“We look forward to welcoming the dignitaries of all our international and regional partners to that occasion. When we do so, we will remember that Afghanistan and our international partners have made tremendous sacrifices to ensure that war remains a relic of the past. It is essential that the country not return to the days when bullets rather than ballots decided the country's political fate. In post-Taliban Afghanistan, no tenet has been more cherished than the idea that stability and legitimacy are a profound necessity. That principle has motivated considerable investment in terms of dollars spent and lives lost, and its curtailment would carry damaging consequences for the country and its people.”
2014-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7208 (2014) · source
“The recent operation of Pakistani forces in North Waziristan, which led to the displacement of thousands of families to Afghanistan's Khost province and the associated loss of life, is a serious source of concern for the Government of Afghanistan. We urge the Islamic Republic of Pakistan to give high priority to the greater security of Afghanistan and the region at this crucial time. The Afghan Government is committed to a swift and successful conclusion of the electoral process. Preparations are well under way for the first ever democratic and peaceful transfer of power in Afghanistan. All Government institutions have commenced their transition planning, and an interministerial committee has been assigned to prepare for the official inauguration of our incoming president.”
2014-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7208 (2014) · source
“The active role of all citizens - women, men and children - will be vital for overcoming our shared challenges in that regard. Regional engagement will continue to be critical to the peace, stability and success of the transformation decade. We believe that it is important to build upon the achievements of the last decade to solidify and expand a workable framework of bilateral and multilateral mechanisms with our neighbours and the wider region and to strengthen relations with the Islamic world. To that end, we look forward to the upcoming Heart of Asia Ministerial Conference to be held in Tianjin, China, on 29 August. As Afghanistan expands its multifaceted cooperation with our regional partners, we expect our neighbours to continue to work towards regional stability.”
2014-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7208 (2014) · source
“We were reminded of long-term challenges to development last month by the devastating floods in Badakhshan province. In addition, we recognize that illegal drugs and narcotics continue to undercut our legitimate development path. For that reason, we will continue to implement our National Drug Control Strategy and call on our regional and international partners to focus on solutions that reduce demand and combat regional and global illicit networks. Understanding that terrorism and extremism continue to be the greatest impediment to development in Afghanistan and the region, we will continue to focus on peace and reconciliation efforts with the Taliban and on other measures, including the Anti-Money Laundering law recently passed by the upper house of the Afghan National Parliament.”
2014-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7208 (2014) · source
“The country's progress towards sustainability and self-sufficiency depends upon the ability of Afghan institutions to perform key governance and service-delivery functions and promote economic development. That will require the continued support and assistance of the international community, as set out in the Tokyo Mutual Accountability Framework adopted in Tokyo in 2012. We welcome the next ministerial meeting under the Framework, to be held in London in November 2014, as a forum for renewing and reinvigorating the mutual commitments necessary for Afghanistan's long-term prosperity. As Afghanistan moves towards a new beginning, the interlinked challenges of achieving security, peace, good governance and development will continue to loom large.”
2014-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7208 (2014) · source
“As Afghanistan makes the transition for the first time from one democratically elected president to the next, we continue to focus on the steps necessary for the country to move decisively towards full ownership and leadership in the transformation decade. Afghan security institutions are assuming full responsibility throughout the country as combat operations by the international forces near their conclusion. The future elected President of Afghanistan will continue to make a constructive relationship with our international partners a priority, starting by signing a bilateral security agreement with the United States and followed by the finalization ofthe agreement on NATO's training, advising and assistance role in post-2014 Afghanistan. In that regard, we look forward to the upcoming NATO summit in Cardiff on 4 September.”
2014-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7208 (2014) · source
“Attempting to avoid potential crisis and protect the legitimacy of our historic elections, the election bodies are again managing issues raised with regard to the electoral process in the second round. Their efforts aim to ensure the integrity and transparency of the electoral process and uphold constitutional and electoral law. We appreciate the readiness of the United Nations to stand up for the interests of the Afghan people by supporting the integrity of the Afghan-led, Afghan- managed electoral process, which will lead to the establishment of a new Government that legitimately reflects the will of the Afghan people. We see United Nations support ofthe Afghan process as a positive step towards addressing the political concerns of the second round.”
2014-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7208 (2014) · source
“We deplore the attacks against the infrastructure of election institutions, including the central office of the Independent Election Commission in Kabul and even attacks on candidates and their supporters. However, the Afghan people's near-blanket defiance of extremist threats sends a strong message that the Taliban no longer have the ability to destabilize the country. Despite the tragic losses suffered during the elections, peace and democracy have clearly triumphed in Afghanistan. We note the steps that have been taken by the Independent Election Commission and the Independent Electoral Complaints Commission to detect fraudulent votes and manage complaints in the first round, including through the blacklisting of electoral workers liable for infractions.”
2014-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7208 (2014) · source
“We note with pride the professionalism and competence exhibited by Afghan security institutions during the elections period. Their dedication allowed elections to take place despite serious security threats. Moreover, careful planning including through the training of hundreds of female police and more than 2,000 civilians and the recruitment of more than 13,000 female searchers, allowed for the active participation of diverse segments of the population on polling day. We were deeply saddened by the tragic loss and injury of civilians, election personnel, observers and Afghan security forces who put their lives at risk to protect the future of the country.”
2014-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7208 (2014) · source
“Dozens of national institutions and thousands of citizens played a role in ensuring the administration, integrity and legitimacy of the first entirely Afghan- managed electoral process. Thousands of independent domestic and international observers and candidate monitors covered the polling stations and continue to oversee the entire electoral cycle. We are grateful to the international community for standing with the Afghan people and for providing technical, financial and logistical resources to enable Afghan institutions to successfully hold elections. We appreciate the support of the United Nations, including the United Nations Development Programme, to national electoral institutions in their management of a peaceful democratic transition.”
2014-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7208 (2014) · source
“In an exceptional show of faith in democracy, Afghans cast their ballots despite intimidation by the Taliban and other extremist and terrorist groups so that they could have a say in the country's political destiny. They dipped their fingers in ink, boldly asserting their right to choose a leader in defiance of threats to their lives and safety. In doing so they voted not only for a candidate but also for peace, for the advancement of the gains made in the past 12 years and for a better future. They did so by the millions, in numbers that exceeded expectations in both the first and second rounds. All segments of the population participated, including women and all ethnic groups, in all provinces of the country, in the cities and in the rural areas and in the south, north, east and west.”
2014-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7208 (2014) · source
“We are at the last stage of our country's historic presidential elections. The democratic transition is the cornerstone of the Afghan-led and Afghan-owned progression to peace, stability and prosperity. The Presidential elections on 5 April and on 14 June generated an unprecedented surge of democratic spirit in Afghanistan. After decades of conflict, it is remarkable to witness my country emerging as a vibrant young democracy characterized by widespread engagement in the political process. That has been demonstrated by rallies attended by thousands, debates that were broadcast and viewed throughout the country, media coverage and information exchange via phones, computers and television screens, and candidates' public outreach, not only in the capital but, significantly, country-wide.”
2014-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7208 (2014) · source
“At the outset, I would like to thank Mr. Jan Kubis, Special Representative of the Secretary-General, for briefing the council via video teleconference and for his leadership of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan, especially at this very important juncture in my country's history. I thank him in particular for his continued commitment to Afghanistan throughout its transition. I also welcome the presence here today of Mr. Fedotov, Executive Director of the United Nations Office of Drugs and Crime. I am grateful to Australia, in particular to Ambassador Quinlan, for its continued leadership on Afghanistan in the Council. I would also like to take this opportunity to welcome the Secretary- General's recent report (S/2014/420) on the situation in Afghanistan. This is a pivotal moment for Afghanistan.”
2014-06-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7208 (2014) · source