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

“With elections presenting an opportunity for all Afghans to come together in unity, the impetus for the armed opposition to reject its brutal tactics, contribute meaningfully to the country and heed the call for peace have never been stronger than today. As we renew the mandate of UNAMA for another year, we are well aware of the continuing importance of the role of the United Nations as a whole at this crucial time for the country. We expect the international community to stand firmly for peace and security in Afghanistan and to further our work to ensure that the hard-won achievements of the past decade are protected. After decades of war and instability and 12 years of tremendous progress, it is crucial that the momentum continue towards our goal of achieving a long-lasting, stable, peaceful and democratic Afghanistan.”
2014-03-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7139 (2014) · source
“My Government therefore continues to strengthen regional cooperation networks through multilateral processes, such as the Istanbul Process, as well as bilateral efforts. Regional cooperation is also essential to peace and reconciliation, as well as related outreach to the Taliban and other groups that continue to fight against the Government. Throughout all the that, protecting the rights of all Afghans remains a fundamental priority. That includes ensuring the right of all Afghan people to good governance, justice, health care and education and to live free from violence. In that regard, Afghanistan is committed to preventing and mitigating the toll of violence on civilians, particularly women and children. We condemn in the strongest terms the continuing violence against the Afghan people, including women and children, by extremists.”
2014-03-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7139 (2014) · source
“We welcome the progress made towards fulfilling the commitments set out in the Tokyo Mutual Accountability Framework, which is essential to the country's long-term stability and sustainability. In addition to that Framework, the Government continues to further the agreements reached at the London, Kabul, Bonn and Tokyo Conferences and the Lisbon and Chicago Summits, which aim to enhance national leadership and ownership and Afghanistan's economic self-sufficiency strategy. The third element is regional cooperation. As we move towards the end of the transition this year, it is fundamental to Afghanistan's stability that its neighbours and countries in the region play their role in contributing to peace and security in the country. It is clear that the prosperity and security of all countries in the region are deeply interlinked.”
2014-03-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7139 (2014) · source
“To address those challenges, a serious focus is needed on the following three main areas. The first area is Afghanistan's continuing cooperation with the international community. That is essential to a successful transition this year, to the transformation decade ahead and to long-term peace, security and development in the country. As demonstratedbytheconsultativeLoyaJirgaofNovember 2013, the Afghan people believe in the importance of continuing strategic relations with the United States, NATO and the wider international community. To that end, we are certain that the bilateral security agreement with the United States will be signed soon. The second aspect is fiscal stability and the sustainable economic growth and development of Afghanistan.”
2014-03-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7139 (2014) · source
“Importantly, women are involved in the elections as candidates, campaigners, electoral workers and voters. Today, of the 3.4 million new voters registered for the April election, 35 per cent are women. Additionally, presidential candidates have had historical media exposure, particularly through a number of televised debates, allowing candidates the opportunity to present their programmes to the electorate and enhancing countrywide involvement in the political process. That sets a new precedent for our young democracy. With all Afghans focused keenly on the elections, we have not lost sight of the challenges facing us this year. That is crucial to the preservation of the gains of the past decade and to a successful departure towards the transformation decade.”
2014-03-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7139 (2014) · source
“The Independent Electoral Complaints Commission is well positioned to prevent fraud and misconduct. Furthermore, the Ministry of the Interior has intensified efforts to ensure security on election day, preparing 400,000 Afghan security forces to protect the 7,168 polling stations on 5 April, with plans to deploy 13,000 female polling station searchers and provide security to the 308 female provincial council candidates. The number of international and national observers will be in the thousands. The participation of Afghans in the lead-up to the elections has been monumental. All segments of society are deeply involved in the elections, many of them for the first time, keenly participating to ensure they have a say over the country's future.”
2014-03-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7139 (2014) · source
“Moreover, a legitimate political transition is essential to our efforts to secure a brighter and more peaceful future. After decades of war, Afghans have worked intently to build a new foundation for progress in Afghanistan. Elections represent the hope that the work will continue and provide an opportunity for its advancement throughout the transformation decade. Election preparations have been long under way, with the help of the international community and the United Nations. It is crucial that the elections be legitimate, credible and transparent, as expected by all. To that end, the Independent Election Commission is in the lead in administering, adjudicating and managing the polls and in overseeing logistical and technical preparations, with the support of our international partners.”
2014-03-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7139 (2014) · source
“Afghan National Security Forces assumed full security responsibility nationwide, showing even more capability and professionalism as international forces draw down. The Government began to renew its international partnerships while asserting greater Afghan ownership and leadership over the country's future. And now, after 12 years of unprecedented international cooperation and engagement, the Afghan people are less than a few weeks away from the pinnacle of transition, that is, presidential and provincial elections. On 5 April, Afghans will cast their votes to choose the future leader of the country and their provincial representatives. Thatwillbe ahistoric event, marking the first peaceful transition of power through a democratic process.”
2014-03-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7139 (2014) · source
“Throughout the past decade, UNAMA has remained at the centre of international engagement in support of Afghanistan, an engagement characterized by the involvement of more than 70 countries and dozens of international organizations, known as the donor community. The international community's collective efforts have spanned all dimensions, and our achievements attained through shared efforts have been exceptional. The country is more unified, millions of boys and girls are in school, more Afghans have access to health care than ever before and all Afghans enjoy their fundamental human rights as guaranteed by our Constitution. We reached the final stage of transition this year, as the country began to stand on its own feet and take charge of its own destiny.”
2014-03-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7139 (2014) · source
“On 28 March 2002, in the wake of the Bonn Conference, the Council voted on resolution 1401 (2002), on the establishment of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan- apolitical mission to lead international civilian coordination efforts and to support Afghanistan in building a democratic, stable and peaceful country. Since then, its comprehensive focus on security, the economy, governance and development challenges has been essential to my Government's work to lay the foundations for sustainable development and peace in the country, and the UNAMA mandate has been renewed regularly with the full support of the Government of Afghanistan.”
2014-03-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7139 (2014) · source
“I thank you, Madam President, for your able leadership of the Council this month. My thanks also go to our friend Special Representative Jan Kubis for his briefing and for his skilful leadership of the UnitedNations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA). We convey our gratitude to Australia and Ambassador Quinlan for his country's committed work as the penholder in the Council on Afghanistan and for the spirit of cooperation shown during the course of negotiations on the UNAMA draft resolution (S/2014/184). I would also like to take this opportunity to welcome the recent Secretary- General's report on the situation in Afghanistan and its implications for international peace and security (S/2014/163).”
2014-03-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7139 (2014) · source
“In that regard, achieving peace and security in Afghanistan requires the following three key components: first, international assistance throughout the next decade to support the Afghan capacity to counter terrorist campaigns against the Afghan people; secondly, the elimination of terrorist sanctuaries that fuel the cycle of violence; and, thirdly, vigorous pursuit of our Afghan-led peace and reconciliation process, intended to engage those ready to renounce violence and contribute responsibly to their homeland. Effective regional and international cooperation is key to the successful outcome of the process.”
2014-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7109 (2014) · source
“With Afghan forces now at the forefront of protecting the Afghan people from terrorist attacks, we see situations in which civilians are caught in the crossfire of ground engagements with the enemy. One life lost is one too many, and, with that sentiment in mind, Afghan forces are strongly committed to the protection of civilians. Stabilization efforts are guided by their sense of responsibility, sobriety and duty to their fellow Afghans. It is clear that the surest way to protect the lives, honour and dignity of citizens is to end the cycle of violence that harms innocent civilians.”
2014-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7109 (2014) · source
“We are working to strengthen our counter-IED capabilities and the related training programmes by the International Security Assistance Force for the Afghan National Security Forces - a further important step in minimizing the danger posed by such weapons. Tragically, ground engagements in counter- terrorism and counter-insurgency operations have resulted in the deaths and injuries of civilians. It is unfortunate that Afghans have lost their lives during operations by international and national forces that aimed to protect them. In that regard, the Afghan Government has repeatedly called on international military forces to take all the necessary measures to stop the loss of Afghan civilian life. Important steps have been taken in that regard in recent years.”
2014-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7109 (2014) · source
“The Council condemned Taliban attacks in the strongest terms six times last year, stressing that terrorism in all its forms was criminal and unjustifiable and underscoring the need to bring its perpetrators to justice. It is clear that the Taliban show flagrant disregard for international law as well as the basic tenets and principles of Islam. We note with deep concern an increase in the indiscriminate use of improvised explosive devices (IEDs) by armed insurgent groups in the past year. IEDs remain the leading cause of civilian deaths and injuries, accounting for 34 per cent of all civilian casualties in Afghanistan. To address this menace, a national counter- lED strategy was instituted by presidential decree in 2012.”
2014-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7109 (2014) · source
“The Taliban are responsible for the overwhelming majority of civilian casualties in Afghanistan, causing thousands of deaths in 2013 alone, which represents a sharp increase from previous years. The brutal campaign opened a murderous era in Afghanistan's history - devastating in terms both ofits acute impact on the Afghan people and of its savagery. Terrorists' tactics are a horrific manifestation of man's inhumanity to man, of which graphic video footage of beheadings posted on Taliban websites, the recent heinous attack on a popular restaurant in Kabul and the cold-blooded murders and violence against women and children are but a few harrowing examples.”
2014-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7109 (2014) · source
“Yet despite joint stabilization efforts towards peace and security, the suffering of the Afghan people continues. The security situation remains today precarious, and incidents have in fact escalated in intensity since 2009. Afghan civilians are targeted with guns and bombs by enemies who measure success in terms of the blood spilled and life lost. Women, children, Government officials, journalists, religious leaders and judicial authorities are at risk as they go about their daily lives, shopping at a bazaar, visiting a friend or commuting to work. They are attacked in villages, on public roads, in restaurants, Government offices, courthouses and mosques. With total and utter disregard for civilian life, the brutal terrorist campaign by the Taliban and other extremist groups affect ordinary Afghans most profoundly.”
2014-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7109 (2014) · source
“I am pleased to see you preside over the Security Council this month, Madam President. I would also like to thank you for convening this important debate on the protection of civilians in armed conflict. I also express my thanks to Ms. Valerie Amos, Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator; Mr. Herve Ladsous, Under-Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations; Ms. Navanethem Pillay, United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights; and Mr. Yves Daccord, Director-General of the International Committee of the Red Cross, for their useful briefings today. The protection of civilians is of paramount importance to the Government of Afghanistan. The Afghan people expected a long-awaited peace when the Taliban regime came to an end following decades of war, unprecedented destruction and loss of life.”
2014-02-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7109 (2014) · source
“Speaking today at this December meeting of the Council, mindful of our recent and future milestones and of the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead, I again recall the spirit of Bonn. We knew during that December 12 years ago that the challenges in front ofus were great. But we were also aware of the tremendous potential for change and for the establishment of a stable, peaceful, democratic and prosperous Afghanistan. As we arrive at 2014, we ground our progress firmly in the constitutional foundations established 12 years ago, in the spirit of hope and optimism that was alive in Bonn, and with commitment to build upon and maintain the great achievements of the past decade.”
2013-12-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7085 (2013) · source
“As we move forward, we will benefit from all forms of cooperation, particularly the Istanbul Process. As we proceed steadily towards the transformation decade, it is essential that the successes of the past 12 years be maintained. Progress depends upon preserving the rights of all Afghans, particularly women and girls, upholding the rule of law and furthering economic transition. Our continuing partnership with the international community is critical to success in those areas, as reflected in the Tokyo Mutual Accountability Framework. We are determined to meet our related commitments and we hope that the international community will be similarly steadfast in its promises to Afghanistan.”
2013-12-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7085 (2013) · source
“Alongside security and political transition, in the light of the withdrawal of international forces at the end of 2014, we are strengthening regional understanding and cooperation to ensure the success of Afghanistan's transition. In recent months, we have ramped up efforts to increase contact with neighbours and countries in the region. President Karzai has engaged with regional leaders to enhance development and security cooperation, focusing on transition and beyond, in New Delhi, Islamabad, Beijing, Dushanbe and Tehran, as well as at the Shanghai Cooperation Summit in Bishkek. The leaders agreed that they had a strategic stake in Afghanistan and that peace and stability in the country were essential to peace and stability in the region.”
2013-12-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7085 (2013) · source
“Afghanistan's peaceful future requires a political solution to the conflict. Reaching out to the armed opposition, building confidence and engaging in peace talks remain central to our efforts towards peace and stability. In spite of some setbacks, we are working to renew momentum in the peace process. In that regard, the Government has been continually involved at the regional level, launching a new phase of dialogue between Afghanistan's and Pakistan's leadership through bilateral and trilateral meetings in London, Kabul and Islamabad. We are fully committed to the success of reconciliation, and we are conscious that further progress depends upon not only the dedicated efforts of all stakeholders but also the opposition's united voice for peace.”
2013-12-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7085 (2013) · source
“We are preparing for our next milestone, namely, presidential and provincial council elections. The timely holding of transparent, free and fair elections is a reflection of strong national consensus about the future direction of Afghanistan and its status as a democratic, peaceful and prosperous nation. To that end, technical and logistical preparations are proceeding with momentum. The Independent Election Commission has announced the final list of 11 presidential candidates and their running mates. More than 3 million new voters have registered for the elections, of which one third are women. That number is expected to increase in the lead-up to elections. As we move towards the final stage of preparations, Afghan national security institutions have put in place a comprehensive strategy to ensure security on election day.”
2013-12-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7085 (2013) · source
“The resolution adopted at the end ofthe Jirga reaffirmed that the agreement should ensure Afghanistan's peace, security and development and should be accompanied by visible steps taken on specific issues in the lead- up to the signing of the agreement. As reiterated by the leadership of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, those entail assurances for measures to end the military raids on Afghan homes, and the launching of negotiations between the Afghan High Peace Council and the Taliban. We are certain that the bilateral security agreement will be signed in a timely manner. As a next step, Afghanistan is ready to begin formal negotiations on a status of forces agreement for the post-2014 NATO presence in Afghanistan, which will continue our enduring security and defence partnership with NATO.”
2013-12-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7085 (2013) · source
“That milestone signifies Afghanistan's progress towards sustainable peace and marks the start of a new phase of cooperation with the international community. In the past year, we have renewed our international partnerships and signed a number of strategic partnership agreements with several countries, including the United States. In May of last year, President Karzai and President Obama signed the Enduring Strategic Partnership Agreement. That was followed by 15 months of comprehensive negotiations on, and then the completion of, the text of the bilateral security agreement. Last month in Kabul, 2,500 Afghan representatives endorsed that agreement during a consultative loyajirga.”
2013-12-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7085 (2013) · source
“Although we face challenges and continue to engage those who seek to reverse our progress, we are advancing apace to stand independently, take command of our future and realize a peaceful and secure Afghanistan. This year in particular has been pivotal to the advancement of our goals and the solidification of our achievements. The year 2013 marks the culmination of transition, paving the way for Afghanistan to embark upon the transformation decade. Since June, the Afghan National Security Forces have assumed full responsibility for security nationwide, proving themselves ever more capable of defending the country and doing so with confidence and determination. As 2013 comes to a end, Afghans look ahead to the transformation decade.”
2013-12-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7085 (2013) · source
“December evokes the hopeful atmosphere of Bonn in the winter of 2001, when unity was in sight, emergence from the shadow of violence and fanaticism seemed possible and the vision of an Afghanistan as a home for all - one of tolerance and moderation e was taking shape. We have made significant progress since those days and have seen many of our objectives come to fruition. More than 6 million Afghan refugees have returned to the country after being forced to live outside their homes for years due to war and conflict. Our State is now based on a democratic Constitution. Millions of Afghans have access to education and health care. And the Afghan people enjoy more freedom and rights than they have for decades.”
2013-12-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7085 (2013) · source
“I would like to thank you, Sir, for your leadership of the Council for the month of December. I take this moment also to welcome the report of the Secretary-General on the situation in Afghanistan (S/2013/721) and to thank our dear friend, Special Representative Kubis, for his presence today and his able leadership ofthe United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan. Our meeting here this December, 12 years to the month since leaders of Afghanistan's political parties signed the Bonn Agreement, is a Iucid reminder of the progress in Afghanistan since the fall of the Taliban regime.”
2013-12-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7085 (2013) · source
“In this period of change, we will go into the elections in search of a solution, in a spirit of national unity and coherence, together with our international partners, to further our struggle for democracy, prosperity and peace.”
2013-09-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7035 (2013) · source
“Countries in the region, particularly Pakistan, play an important role in supporting this process. We are encouraged by the outcome of President Karzai's recent visit to Islamabad, and reassured by the new Pakistani Government's guarantees of support for the process. We look forward to working together towards enhanced cooperation. As we approach the transformation decade, we must secure the gains made in the past 12 years, despite the difficulties, vulnerabilities and risks. In the years ahead, we must build upon our achievements and enable Afghanistan to stand on its own feet, with a strong voice and as a full partner of the international community.”
2013-09-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7035 (2013) · source
“As Afghanistan looks towards a brighter future, the enemies of Afghanistan - the enemies of peace - continue their violent campaign against civilians, soldiers, civil servants, men, women, children and foreign forces. If they see brutality as the measure of their power, they are wrong; it is a measure of their weakness. It is not brave to kill a police officer, particularly if she is a woman protecting and serving her country. It is time for the Taliban to stop the killing, renounce the violence and heed the call to peace. The first attempts at peace negotiations were undermined by the Taliban's determination to take Afghanistan back to the past. But the Afghan people do not want to return to the past. They want the violence to end. That is why, despite the atrocities, Afghanistan's leadership has not lost faith in a political solution.”
2013-09-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7035 (2013) · source
“The coming elections are seen by all as crucial to the success of the transformation decade, the trust of Afghans and the continuing support of the international community. Afghans know that deeply, which is why Afghans from all walks of life are actively engaged in the process and debate before the elections. A robust electoral framework has been established. New members of the Independent Election Commission and the Independent Election Complaints Commission have been appointed. A chairman of the Independent Election Commission has been elected. A national security strategy for elections has been arranged. And two new pieces of legislation have been signed into law.”
2013-09-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7035 (2013) · source
“We are preparing for our third-ever presidential elections, an accomplishment that demonstrates the increased maturity of Afghanistan's emerging democracy. The past decades were characterized by decisions made with violence, problems solved through war and power solidified with weapons rather than votes. Electing a new President is an important symbol that the bloody struggle for power in our country belongs to the past. Our enemies want to derail the process, as made evident by the assassination of the head of the Independent Election Commission office in Kunduz province. But let it be known that no such acts will prevent a successful electoral process from taking place.”
2013-09-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7035 (2013) · source
“Yet, as President Karzai explained at the Shanghai Summit last week, our vision is not simply to better Afghanistan's future, but also to enable us to be a constructive, friendly and dependable partner to our neighbours and to countries in the region. To that end, we are now part of many regional cooperative frameworks. We are at the centre of the Istanbul Process initiative. We hope that this process will become an important forum for all countries in the region to build more trust, counter shared threats to stability and peace and focus on steps needed for the prosperity of all countries in the region. We are very happy to see that our brotherly country the People's Republic of China is going to lead the ministerial conference next year.”
2013-09-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7035 (2013) · source
“In addition to progress on security, the transformation decade aims to move Afghanistan's economy from aid-dependency to self-sufficiency. In Tokyo, international donors pledged $16 billion to support Afghanistan's economic transition through 2017 by adopting the Tokyo Mutual Accountability Framework. The Framework links aid directly to Afghan commitments in sectors such as human rights and governance, and commits donors to strengthen aid efficiency and sustainability while channelling their commitments through Afghanistan's core budget. The senior officials' meeting of the Tokyo Conference looked critically into those obligations in July in Kabul. Our neighbours are vital to Afghanistan's future prosperity and peace.”
2013-09-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7035 (2013) · source
“Our international partners pledged financial support and equipment necessary for our armed forces to function independently, a goal furthered through strategic partnerships signed with a number of countries including the United States. We signed the Enduring Partnership Agreement with NATO, which will be realized through its post-2014 role, namely, Operation Resolute Support. We are also in the final phases of negotiating the Bilateral Security, Defence and Cooperation Agreement with the United States. Other countries outside NATO have also committed to provide long-term support to Afghan forces. Those agreements are not aimed at fighting wars, but rather at ensuring the security of our country, protecting its people and safeguarding the democratic order we created so painstakingly over the past 12 years.”
2013-09-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7035 (2013) · source
“Today, backed by the collective efforts of the international community, we take responsibility for our security and our defence, as we have done time and again, and we meet that challenge with confidence, courage, and responsibility. At the beginning of his second term, President Karzai outlined a new vision for Afghanistan's future. He called for full Afghan responsibility for security, a move towards a self-reliant economy and a political solution to end the war. Since 2010, Afghanistan and its partners have solidified those commitments through constructive conferences in London, Lisbon, Istanbul, Bonn, Chicago and Tokyo. In Lisbon and then in Chicago, the international community committed itself to long-term support after 2014 to train, advise and support the Afghan National Security Forces.”
2013-09-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7035 (2013) · source
“Over the past several months, the Afghan National Security Forces have been at the forefront of difficult combat. They have largely proved themselves capable of defending the country and providing security. The transition will take us into a new decade - the decade of transformation characterized by strengthening sovereignty and the normalization of the situation. It is a leap in the right direction, and a proud new chapter in our history. But while this is a new chapter, it is also remarkably familiar. Throughout our long history, our country has consistently risen up from the ashes, defiant after tragedies, and has re-emerged from war, conflict and destruction.”
2013-09-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7035 (2013) · source
“Today's debate is convened ahead of a number of events with a broader focus on Afghanistan: the International Contact Group, the senior officials meeting of the Istanbul Process, a number of ministerial meetings, and the opportunity for the Afghan delegation to meet with our friends and partners at a high level. Meanwhile in Afghanistan, the campaigns for the third presidential elections are about to begin. At the same time, we are envisioning the end of the mandate of the International Security Assistance Force * a mission that started 12 years ago and then became the backbone of international stabilization efforts in Afghanistan - by the end of 2014. On 18 June, the final phase of security transition, the fifth tranche, began in Afghanistan.”
2013-09-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7035 (2013) · source
“I would like to offer you, Sir, my sincere congratulations on your assumption of the presidency of the Council for this month. We are very grateful for the role Australia is playing as the penholder on Afghanistan under your leadership and for its capable work in the Security Council. I thank my good friend Special Representative of the Secretary- General Kubis for his very comprehensive briefing, and more broadly for his leadership of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan. Let me also express a warm welcome to our new colleagues, the Ambassadors of the United States of America and the People's Republic of China, to today's debate. We are now at the beginning of the sixty-eighth session of the General Assembly, which has turned this city into the epicentre of world dialogue.”
2013-09-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7035 (2013) · source
“Those achievements will be the result of the diligent efforts that we have made over the past 12 years. We have come this far together on a joint journey founded on a shared commitment to the betterment of our country, for the benefit of current and future generations. Our mission is unfinished, but well on its way. Afghanistan has come a long way to even consider falling short of fulfilling the goals we set out in 2001. We have been, and we remain, steadfastly committed to building a peaceful, stable, prosperous and democratic Afghanistan.”
2013-06-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6983 (2013) · source
“By the same token, the empowerment of women as proactive members of Afghan society - as parliamentarians, peacebuilders and Government officials * and as the most vibrant members of civil society is among our proudest achievements. While obstacles remain to fully realize that goal, we are working to protect and promote the human rights of all Afghans, and those of women in particular. Afghanistan condemns in the strongest terms all incidents of violence against women. The fight against impunity is central to our human rights efforts, as evidenced by the prosecution of an increasing number of perpetrators in various parts of the country. This moment marks an important chapter in Afghanistan's history. The security transition and the upcoming elections will mark major achievements for the future of our country.”
2013-06-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6983 (2013) · source
“We should not forget that, as two brotherly countries, Afghanistan and Pakistan have a shared stake in a successful fight against terrorism and in the prospects for peace and stability in Afghanistan and our region. We in Afghanistan know that long-term peace and prosperity is interlinked with development, good governance and human rights. The Tokyo Mutual Accountability Framework forms the basis for a revitalized partnership between Afghanistan and our international partners while addressing those key issues. Aid coherence, in partnership with the international community, is critical to our sustainable development. The mutual commitments made in Tokyo will be solidified during the transformation decade. In that regard, we look forward to the meeting of senior officials to be held in Kabul on 3 July.”
2013-06-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6983 (2013) · source
“That is crucial to stability in Afghanistan and to prosperity and cooperation in the region. Without any doubt, terrorism constitutes to pose a serious threat to the peace and stability of Afghanistan and the region. The people of Afghanistan are still the main victims of a heinous and continuous terrorist campaign. The fact remains that, so long as terrorist sanctuaries continue to exist on Pakistan's soil and some elements continue to use terrorism as an instrument of foreign policy, peace will prevail neither in Afghanistan nor in the region. We also are very concerned about ongoing border shelling, which constitutes a serious threat to Afghan sovereignty and the prospect of friendly relations between our two countries.”
2013-06-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6983 (2013) · source
“That was further exemplified by the third ministerial meeting of the Heart of Asia countries, held in Almaty in April. We also thank the Government of China for its generosity in hosting the next ministerial meeting of the Process next year. Afghanistan is committed to expanding relations with all of our neighbors. We applaud our brothers and sisters in the Islamic Republic of Pakistan and the Islamic Republic of Iran for their recent successful elections. The Government of Afghanistan looks forward to working with the new Government and leadership of Pakistan, and hopes that Pakistan will sincerely support peace and stability in our country. Afghanistan desires friendly relations with Pakistan that are characterized by mutual respect and observance of each other's national sovereignty.”
2013-06-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6983 (2013) · source
“The electoral law and draft Independent Election Commission law were adopted by the lower house of Parliament and are now under consideration by the upper house. We welcome the readiness of the United Nations and other partners to support Afghan-led elections. We are confident that the elections will unify Afghans around a common objective. Afghanistan has always seen regional cooperation as an important pillar of stability and prosperity in our part of the world. A new regional order is emerging, increasing the prospects for a more peaceful and stable region. The Istanbul Process has become a catalyst for results-oriented cooperation in our wider region. We are encouraged by the strong commitment shown by all regional and international partners for that historic initiative.”
2013-06-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6983 (2013) · source
“Despite all the challenges we face, Afghanistan is confidently advancing forward towards another milestone, namely, next year's presidential andprovincial council elections. President Karzai has embarked upon a broad consultative process with the relevant stakeholders, including civil society and political parties, with the clear aim of having the polling take place in a spirit ofnational unity and with consensus on core electoral issues. Afghans see successful elections as a new and important benchmark for progress that will allow the country to embrace the needs ofthe post- 2014 transformation decade. Preparations for the polls are well under way, with voter registration and security preparations having already started.”
2013-06-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6983 (2013) · source
“We condemn all heinous acts of terror, including the recent attacks on the International Organization for Migration, the International Committee of the Red Cross, Kabul airport and the Supreme Court. Children are increasingly bearing the brunt of the conflict. Last month in Kandahar, terrorists beheaded two children as they were scavenging for food to take home to their families next to a local police checkpoint. Days earlier, in Paktika province, children died in a suicide bombing near their school. We also note with regret the continued civilian casualties caused by counter-terrorism operations. The loss of one innocent life is one too many. We condemn all incidents of civilian casualties and call for their immediate end.”
2013-06-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6983 (2013) · source
“I take this opportunity to wish to also make clear to the international community, all Member States and international and regional organizations that the Taliban office was established for one clear objective - peace talks that strictly observe agreed principles, as mentioned. Any other activity or function undertaken by or with the Taliban office outside the Afghan-led peace talks purposes is unacceptable. The continuing campaign of fear and terror, violence and brutality endangers the prospects of the peace process. There has been an escalation in acts ofviolence in recent weeks, affecting all citizens - men, women and children - as well as international personnel.”
2013-06-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6983 (2013) · source
“The raising of the Taliban flag on Tuesday in Doha was just a reminder of a dark and bloody past from which our country still struggles to emerge. The Islamic Republic of Afghanistan is the sole sovereign and legitimate authority chosen by the Afghan people and recognized and supported by the international community. Further, Afghanistan's ownership of the peace and reconciliation process is indispensible, and will not be compromised. Any successful outcome to the reconciliation process requires preserving the Afghan- led and Afghan-managed character of the negotiations. This is an issue that has been recognized and endorsed both in Afghanistan and by the international community as a whole, including the Security Council.”
2013-06-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6983 (2013) · source