YouSaid · the spoken record

Terzi Di Sant'Agata

lines on the record: 127
first: 1996-04-15
most recent: 2008-12-31
sittings or episodes: 23
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

“Thirdly, the Security Council should also urge the parties to intensify their efforts to advance the peace process, as demanded by resolution 1850 (2008). And fourthly, Palestinian reconciliation and reunification, under the legitimate Palestinian Authority, will remain a key element.”
2008-12-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6060 (2008) · source
“It is my Government's belief that the Security Council should again address this situation, taking into full account the position expressed by the European Union foreign ministers yesterday in Paris. The following elements should, in particular, be considered. First is the call for an immediate and permanent ceasefire based on an unconditional halt to rocket attacks by Hamas on Israel and an end to Israeli military action. Secondly, there must be an immediate resumption of humanitarian aid through the reopening of all crossing points and their lasting and normal operation, as provided for by the 2005 Agreement on Movement and Access. On this, consideration could also be given to an international observation mechanism to guarantee the cessation of hostilities and unhindered access for humanitarian aid.”
2008-12-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6060 (2008) · source
“The most urgent objective that the international community must set out to achieve is an immediate ceasefire. This should be flanked, just as urgently, by immediate humanitarian aid to the Palestinian civilians living in the Gaza Strip. We take positive note of the efforts mentioned by the Secretary-General, by which the Israeli authorities, in cooperation with the United Nations, have today allowed 84 trucks with essential deliveries to enter the Strip. But more needs to be done. We commend the work and dedication of United Nations humanitarian agencies and personnel, especially the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East.”
2008-12-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6060 (2008) · source
“It is deplorable that, in a heavily populated area, innocent civilians were involved and that attacks caused the loss of civilian lives. It is important that violence end on all sides. We must urge all parties to agree to a ceasefire. Consequences at the regional level could be extremely dangerous. It is essential that unity among the Palestinians be restored. Mediation between Palestinian factions is crucial and should not be abandoned, despite the current difficult situation. There is an urgent need to relaunch the political process that was started in Annapolis one year ago; resolution 1850 (2008) sends a key message in that regard. There is no going back. The Arab Peace Initiative continues also to be a main point of reference for the peace process.”
2008-12-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6060 (2008) · source
“I would like to thank you, Mr. President, for convening this meeting and to thank the Secretary-General for the important statement he made. My country is extremely concerned about the situation in the Gaza Strip and the ongoing military operations, as well as about the uninterrupted launching of rockets deep into Israeli territory. In deploring the heavy loss of life and the destruction of civilian infrastructure, we have to stress that the six- month truce between Israel and Hamas ended with the firing of Qassam rockets from the Gaza Strip, which we condemn without reservation. We call for the immediate cessation of those attacks against unarmed Israelis. We also urge the Israeli Government, in the exercise of its right to self-defence, to guarantee the utmost restraint and moderation in its military operations.”
2008-12-31 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6060 (2008) · source
“While affirming that the primary responsibility for implementing the provisions of the resolution rests with States, the Committee stands ready to facilitate the implementation of those measures once it is requested to do so. The Committee continues to cooperate with Member States and relevant organizations upon receiving specific requests in that regard.”
2008-12-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6043 (2008) · source
“In that regard, Member States' reports are issued as official documents of the Committee and are also accessible electronically on the Committee's website, unless a State requests that its reply be kept confidential. In subparagraph l2(e) of resolution 1718 (2006), the Security Council mandated the Committee to designate individuals and entities subject to the measures imposed by subparagraphs 8(d) and (e) of resolution 1718 (2006) - for instance, targeted financial sanctions and the travel ban, respectively. Since its inception, the Committee has received no request for designation on the basis of the criteria contained in the two subparagraphs to which I have referred. Since July 2007, no information relevant to the implementation of its mandate has been brought to the attention of the Committee.”
2008-12-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6043 (2008) · source
“3 In accordance with its mandate, the Committee continued the process of determining additional items, materials, equipment, goods and technology to be specified for the purpose of subparagraph 8(a)(ii) of the resolution, and of adjusting the lists contained in documents S/2006/814, S/2006/815 and S/2006/853 through the consideration of amendments proposed by the members of the Committee. Paragraph 11 of resolution 1718 (2006) calls upon all States Members of the United Nations to report to the Security Council within 30 days of the adoption of the resolution on the steps they have taken to implement effectively the provisions of paragraph 8 of the resolution. As of 15 December 2008, the Committee had received reports from 73 countries and one organization - the European Union - concerning the implementation of the resolution.”
2008-12-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6043 (2008) · source
“On 15 March 2007, the Committee issued two letters in reply to communications received from the International Air Transport Association and the Permanent Mission of Uganda to the United Nations, which had sought guidance on specific cases of cooperation with the Government of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea after the adoption of resolution 1718 (2006). On 20 June 2007, at a formal meeting, the Committee adopted the guidelines for the conduct of its work. That document - which was transmitted to all States for their information and use as necessary and which was posted on the Committee's web page - serves as a tool to guide the work of the Committee and to facilitate the implementation of the measures imposed by resolution 1718 (2006).”
2008-12-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6043 (2008) · source
“In that connection, on 21 February 2007, the Committee issued a letter to Member States clarifying that any definition of luxury goods as may be necessary for Member States to implement that provision of the resolution would be the national responsibility of individual Member States. The Committee also reaffirmed that the measures contained in subparagraph 8(a)(iii) of resolution 1718 (2006) are consistent with the objectives of the resolution and are not intended to restrict the supply of ordinary goods to the wider population of the country, or to have a negative humanitarian impact on the Democratic People's Republic of Korea. The Committee further referred Member States to national reports submitted pursuant to paragraph 11 of the resolution as cases of national definitions and implementation with respect to luxury goods.”
2008-12-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6043 (2008) · source
“As I near the end of my chairmanship of that 08-64915 Committee, I am pleased to brief the members of the Security Council on that important body. In discharging its mandate, the Committee was guided by paragraph 12 of resolution 1718 (2006). Since 1 January 2007, the Committee, while ready to meet as frequently as necessary to carry out its duties effectively, held 14 sessions of informal consultations at the expert level and one formal meeting. Owing to keen interest from Member States outside the Council, but also on the part of many represented on the Council, the Committee addressed the issue of implementing subparagraph 8(a)(iii) of resolution 1718 (2006), concerning the ban on the export of luxury goods to the Democratic People's Republic of Korea.”
2008-12-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6043 (2008) · source
“In that connection, I wish to note that, while the Council gave UNAMID a mandate to monitor the arms embargo, the mission does not yet have the resources to effectively carry out that task. The rationale behind my three suggestions is that the Committee does not operate in a vacuum and cannot remain self-referential. On the contrary, it needs to be in tune with the other components of the Security Council's strategy for Darfur, whose common aim is to bring peace and stability to all Darfurians. As I mentioned before, despite the differing views on the role of sanctions, all members of the Committee strongly share that objective. Building on that common ground will be the key to the success of the Committee. I should now like to refer to the 1718 Committee.”
2008-12-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6043 (2008) · source
“My first recommendation is to also reach out to other sources of information on Darfur, in particular within international and non-governmental organizations (NGOs). In that connection, I wish to add that, last Friday, for the first time since its establishment, the Committee heard a briefing by an NGO about information it had gathered concerning ongoing violations of resolutions 1556 (2004) and 1591 (2005). I hope that such a practice can continue. My second recommendation is to promote dialogue with the countries in the region and to explore further the opportunities provided by the mandate of the Committee in that regard. My third recommendation is to ensure liaison with the mediation of the political process and with the African Union-United Nations Hybrid Operation in Darfur (UNAMID).”
2008-12-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6043 (2008) · source
“On that point, I have noted with interest remarks made by some delegations during my last briefing to the Council encouraging a review of the decision-making procedures of the subsidiary bodies of the Security Council in order to better align their work with the direction given to them by the principal organ. I wish to thank the members of the Committee for their active contributions. I also wish to thank present and past members of the Panel of Experts for having been the Committee's eyes and cars on the ground, often under very difficult conditions. My thanks also go to the Secretariat staff for their sound advice and accurate drafting. My recommendations for the future are as follows.”
2008-12-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6043 (2008) · source
“It has provided a forum to discuss the implementation of those measures and has assessed the reports of the Panel of Experts, as mandated by resolution 1591 (2005). The direction that both my predecessor, Ambassador Spatafora, and I have given to the work of the Committee in order to achieve those limited, yet important, results has been based on a constant drive for consensus as the best way to keep the Committee united on key tasks. Our work, however, has not been as effective as we would have liked. In particular, many Panel recommendations have not been given the desired follow-up because of the lack of consensus. I Wish the 08-64915 new Chairman a more productive biennium in that regard.”
2008-12-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6043 (2008) · source
“That is evident in the fact that, after almost four years in existence, the Committee has yet to designate any individual as subject to the travel ban and the assets freeze. The Council designated four individuals who are currently subject to the targeted sanctions. In addition, experience with sanctions has shown that it is difficult to monitor - and therefore to enforce - an arms embargo covering only part of the territory of a country, as in the case of Darfur. Notwithstanding those constraints, the Committee has been able to discharge its mandate, which is to monitor, and not enforce, the measures imposed under resolutions 1556 (2004) and 1591 (2005). The Committee has regularly reported to the Council on the lack of compliance with the existing measures by all parties to the conflict.”
2008-12-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6043 (2008) · source
“I would like to take this opportunity to share with the Council some observations concerning the two Sanctions Committees that Italy has had the honour to chair over the past two years, namely, the Sudan Sanctions Committee established pursuant to resolution 1591 (2005) and the Security Council Sanctions Committee established pursuant to resolution 1718 (2006). I will start with the Sudan Sanctions Committee, and then I will talk about the Sanctions Committee on the Democratic People's Republic of Korea. The work undertaken by the 1591 Sanctions Committee, on the Sudan, has been quite challenging. While all the members of the Committee share a common objective - to bring peace and stability to Darfur - their understanding of the role of sanctions in ending the conflict, and of the conflict itself, is different.”
2008-12-15 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6043 (2008) · source
“Chad and the Central African Republic are important examples of our ability to maximize our impact and ensure coherence between different actors and different instruments.”
2008-12-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6042 (2008) · source
“It would therefore seem logical that, if we are going to replace the European Union-led military force (EUFOR) in Chad, we would do the same in the Central African Republic. Besides, we need to take into account the request of President Bozize to maintain international troops in the north-eastern part of the country. His efforts to pursue national reconciliation and the political dialogue - which is proceeding well in Bangui, as we know - should also be rewarded, as should his cooperation with the United Nations. 10 I take this opportunity to confirm Italy's readiness to keep the hospital in Abeche for the time necessary to ensure a smooth transition. Finally, I would like to commend the exemplary collaboration that the United Nations and the European Union have once again established in the maintenance of peace and security.”
2008-12-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6042 (2008) · source
“We wonder whether additional cuts can be envisaged in consultation with the Government, taking into account the effectiveness of the mission, of course, as well as the overall sustainability of peacekeeping in Africa and the amounts of troops from other crisis situations. The Security Council, we believe, should apply fair criteria in managing the limited resources at our disposal. In this context, I would also like to draw the attention of the Council once again to the situation in Somalia and the need to urgently find a way to support the African Union Mission to Somalia in the future. For the same reason, we do not see a substantial difference between the overall situation in eastern Chad and the one in the Central African Republic.”
2008-12-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6042 (2008) · source
“The transition from EUFOR to a United Nations operation will serve this objective, and we are ready to start negotiations on a draft resolution to this end. At the same time, it has also been underlined that it is essential that the root causes of instability in Chad be addressed. My country supports the political process based on the 13 August agreement between the Government and the opposition, as well as the Sirte agreement between the Government and the armed opposition movement. As for the number of troops, we appreciate the update in planning made by the Secretariat in the substantial reduction of the mission's size.”
2008-12-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6042 (2008) · source
“On the other hand, progress in Sudan-Chad relations, as evidenced by the exchange of ambassadors as well as by further steps towards the establishment of a joint monitoring force along the border in the framework of the African Contact Group, are encouraging signs of possible further improvement in the security situation. From what the Permanent Representatives of the Central African Republic and Chad have said today, as well as from what the non-governmental organizations reminded us last week, it would seem important to continue to provide a security framework in the eastern part of Chad to ensure protection of the displaced and refugee population and to allow for the safe delivery of humanitarian assistance.”
2008-12-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6042 (2008) · source
“I, too, would like to thank Special Representative Angelo for presenting the Secretary-General's report on the transition from the European Union-led military force (EUFOR) to the United Nations Mission in the Central African Republic and Chad (MINURCAT). At the same time, I would like to express my appreciation for the statements made by the Permanent Representatives of the Central African Republic and Chad. The picture emerging from the Secretary- General's report is indeed a mixed one. Instability continues to prevail in the eastern provinces of Chad, although it is mainly due to banditry rather than to the activity of the armed opposition movements.”
2008-12-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6042 (2008) · source
“In numerous meetings of the Informal Working Group on international tribunals, chaired by Belgium, delicate issues have been discussed pertaining to the aftermath of the completion strategies. In that regard, we believe that the obligation to try fugitives should remain a clear duty of the international community. With the active contribution of the Council, important decisions should be adopted in a timely manner to reaffirm the purpose for which the Tribunals were established: bringing to justice those responsible for the most heinous international crimes in the territories of the former Yugoslavia and Rwanda. Lastly, we would like to thank Ambassador Grauls and the Belgian delegation for having efficiently chaired the informal working group on international tribunals.”
2008-12-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6041 (2008) · source
“In our View, it is also essential to strengthen capacity-building in the countries most directly concerned, both in terms of the judiciary and outreach. Support through the international community would be more than welcome, including by strengthening States' judicial capacity to conduct criminal trials for international crimes. In that regard, Italy commends the assistance given to the ICTY by the United Nations Interregional Crime and Justice Research Institute and the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, as mentioned in the report (see S/2008/729) of the President of the ICTY. We would like to note that the Tribunals' legacies must remain under the Council's consideration.”
2008-12-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6041 (2008) · source
“Under the presidency of Judge Byron, the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda has endeavoured to improve its ability to respect the completion schedule. It also has ambitious plans to complete trials during 2009. But regrettably, further delays seem unavoidable at this stage. Nonetheless, we are confident that the Tribunal will continue to do its best to keep delays to a minimum. We will carefully consider the proposal made today by President Byron. We are confident that both Tribunals will make every effort to finalize pending cases and facilitate judicial activities on appeal. At this juncture, it is important to make appropriate plans to assure that the Appeals Chamber is granted the necessary staff and resources.”
2008-12-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6041 (2008) · source
“However, we are somewhat concerned about the fact that achieving the completion strategies will be delayed. Of course, that has been largely due to objective factors, the inability to ensure the prompt arrest and surrender of defendants, obstacles in judicial cooperation and other reasons. We believe that, rather than discussing the past, it is now time to look ahead and to try to ensure the smooth conclusion of judicial activities, in keeping with the best standards of fair trial and due process. At the same time, the Council should underline that cooperation is essential for a truly successful completion. In that regard, cooperation with the Tribunals has largely improved recently. Still, it is a bit frustrating to see that difficulties remain after so many years. Cooperation must become a resolute practice.”
2008-12-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6041 (2008) · source
“I wish to join other delegations in thanking Presidents Robinson and Byron, as well as Prosecutors Brammertz and Jallow, for their presentations to the Council. I also wish to congratulate President Robinson on his recent election and to wish him every success on his future endeavours. Let me also take this opportunity to commend the work of Fausto Pocar as President of the International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia (ICTY) over the past three years. Under his leadership, the ICTY was able to reach very high standards of efficiency, in full respect of the principle of fair trial. Italy welcomes the tangible progress made in pursuing the completion strategies through the strong commitment of the Tribunals, the judges, the prosecutors and the entire staff.”
2008-12-12 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6041 (2008) · source
“To reach this goal, all countries need to make a long-term and consistent effort. We need resolute international cooperation based on clear strategies and mutual trust. We must stop heinous crimes from building walls of hostility and mistrust among countries and peoples. Italy fully supports today's draft presidential statement, and the call for solidarity it should contain, reiterating the determination of the Security Council to combat all forms of terrorism.”
2008-12-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6034 (2008) · source
“Rescuing failing States is also crucial for the achievement of United Nations-recognized human rights and for the security agenda. Prevention and early detection of extremists and radicalization, to which the younger generation is particularly susceptible, are needed, as are more effective mechanisms of information exchange, law enforcement coordination and mutual legal assistance in criminal matters. The European Union has a set of instruments for judicial cooperation among its States which has already been proved effective in many cases. After the terrorist attacks in Madrid and London, for example, direct collaboration among European judges led to the arrest in Italy of some of the perpetrators and their immediate delivery to Spain and the United Kingdom. The challenge we are faced with today can be won.”
2008-12-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6034 (2008) · source
“These conventions translate into binding commitments which highlight the primacy of cooperation over individual sovereignties at a time when we acknowledge the indivisibility of peace and security in a globalized world. Full implementation of Security Council resolutions on this issue is not only our obligation, but what we all require. The promotion and protection of human rights are also a priority, as is the rule of law, as integral parts of an effective counter-terrorist strategy. There must be neither safe havens nor impunity for terrorists. Technical assistance should be made available to countries that need it, as well as an assured means for victims to seek the justice that would allow for compassion to be translated into solidarity.”
2008-12-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6034 (2008) · source
“The role of the United Nations is all the more crucial as the need is stronger for all Member States to give their support in implementing the necessary interventions. For all these reasons, today's debate is important. In the fight against terrorists, we are not in a primeval era of cooperation among States and peoples. A Global Strategy agreed on by the entire membership exists and we must speed up the implementation of its four pillars. This Strategy should be implemented today, drawing on the entire United Nations system, including the three Security Council subsidiary bodies and the Counter-Terrorism Implementation Task Force. The ratification of all 16 counter-terrorist conventions is a priority.”
2008-12-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6034 (2008) · source
“The threat of terrorism is intense and, unfortunately, will remain as such for the foreseeable future. Globalization and new technologies favour its spreading across borders, broadens the risk of a convergence among terrorist organizations and illegal trafficking, the illicit use of financial networks and the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. The threat is diversified, complex and continuously changing. It requires long- term political will, a global vision and the ability to adapt responses to varied scenarios. In our view, the United Nations remains the most suitable framework for improving and better defining counter-terrorism policies. Initially intended to better regulate this matter, these policies have progressively been enhanced with new instruments and updated structures.”
2008-12-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6034 (2008) · source
“I would like to express the sincere appreciation of my Government for this initiative and for the honour of having you, Sir, preside over the Security Council today. The tragic events in Mumbai, with respect to which I would like to renew the condolences and the grief of Italy and the Italian people for so many innocent victims, prove once again that terrorism represents a fundamental threat to international peace and security. Effective counter-terrorist policies cannot be put together only in the heated aftermath of terrorist attacks. Instead, they require patient and tenacious work on which cooperation and mutual trust among countries must be built and strengthened. Italy endorses the statement to be delivered by France on behalf of the European Union (EU).”
2008-12-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6034 (2008) · source
“The international military presence is now under Italian command. My country also contributes considerably to all civilian international presences, and we will continue to do so in the future.”
2008-12-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6033 (2008) · source
“Italy calls on the Bosnian leadership to focus its efforts in this direction and to refrain from statements and acts challenging the structures of the State as defined by the Dayton Agreement. The people of Bosnia and Herzegovina have demonstrated their strong and undisputed wish to live in a peaceful, stable and prosperous multiethnic environment, and Bosnian leaders should act accordingly, without indulging in confrontational practices that have reaped so much damage in their country. If these goals are achieved, the country could advance significantly along the path of democratic stabilization and especially towards the EU. Italy is strongly committed to Bosnia and Herzegovina. We are present in the country with a large contingent in the European Union military mission in Bosnia and Herzegovina (EUFOR-ALTHEA).”
2008-12-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6033 (2008) · source
“High Representative Solana and EU Commissioner Rehn have indicated the need to address the issue of transition. On 20 November, the Peace Implementation Council Steering Board welcomed the EU's readiness to assume a greater role in Bosnia and Herzegovina following the transition from the Office of the High Representative to the European Union High Representative. We must as well promote progress on the implementation of the five objectives and the two conditions, trusting that the political forces in the country will find adequate solutions on the two objectives that remain to be settled. High Representative Lajeak could, once again, have a contribution to make towards achieving this result.”
2008-12-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6033 (2008) · source
“Nevertheless, the report also notes that "Nationalist, anti-Dayton rhetoric challenging the sovereignty, territorial integrity and constitutional order of Bosnia and Herzegovina, as well as the authority of the High Representative and the Steering Board of the Peace Implementation Council, have continued to dominate politics in Bosnia and Herzegovina" (S/2006/705, Summary, page 3). Much remains to be done to achieve lasting democratic stabilization in the country. In order to stimulate more progress, we should move beyond the status quo and uphold the principle of ownership. To achieve these goals, the transition from the Office of the High Representative to the EU Special Representative stage should be prepared, bearing in mind that the EU Representative must be adequately supported in order to perform his duties effectively.”
2008-12-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6033 (2008) · source
“It emphasizes, in fact, encouraging signs, but, at the same time, it reveals critical aspects that invite the ongoing commitment of the international community to Bosnia and Herzegovina. The signing of the Stabilization and Association Agreement in June is a landmark achievement. It demonstrates that the local political leadership can act constructively and reach compromises. The solution of the police reform was particularly welcome. Not long ago, such a result seemed unreachable. The EU perspective is the tool through which the High Representative was able to broker a solution. We must take stock of that success in view of our upcoming challenges. The Odzak agreement reached by the three major Bosnian parties provides yet another reason for us to hope that a virtuous cycle of the political process may set in.”
2008-12-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6033 (2008) · source
“First of all, let me welcome the High Representative, Ambassador Miroslav Lajcak, and the Chairman of the Council of Ministers of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Mr. Nikola Spirie. Let me also thank the High Representative for his detailed report on the situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina and commend his tireless and skilful efforts in a quite complex situation. Italy fully aligns itself with the statement delivered by the representative of France on behalf of the European Union (EU). I would like to add just a few remarks drawing on the Italian national experience. Ambassador Lajcak's report gives us a good picture, I believe, of the overall situation in the country.”
2008-12-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6033 (2008) · source
“Finally, I would like to put special emphasis on the expressions of strong support for UNAMA's coordination role that we heard throughout our meetings both with international actors and with the Afghan authorities. President Karzai expressed complete satisfaction with the cooperation of Special Representative Kai Eide. The Special Representative of the Secretary-General enjoys the full trust and respect of his partners in Kabul. Consequently, many interlocutors expressed the view that UNAMA should be properly empowered to tap into its own potential. United Nations Member States are therefore urged to provide UNAMA with the financial and human resources needed to live up to its enhanced mandate defined by resolution 1806 (2008).”
2008-12-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6031 (2008) · source
“The international community is expected to show more transparency and to better coordinate its efforts, in accordance with the Paris Declaration. On humanitarian assistance, the mission was briefed on measures being adopted to ensure food security during the winter season. At the same time, concerns were expressed that funding was not in place to provide food aid after March. Donors are therefore encouraged to channel their contributions through the Afghan Government or the World Food Programme. Given recent trends of increasing intimidation of human rights defenders and the recent reversals relating to impunity and freedom of expression, we encouraged the Afghan authorities to reinvigorate their efforts to uphold human rights, in particular the rights of women and children.”
2008-12-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6031 (2008) · source
“The significant improvement of Afghanistan's relationship with its neighbours was welcomed by the mission. The Security Council has consistently supported an approach that helps to bring security through a regional approach that also supports regional economic development. The mission also welcomed cooperation between the Afghan Government and its neighbours on specific issues that promote improved border control, such as 3 counter-narcotics and refugees. It is to be hoped that current regional developments will not affect such positive dynamics. Afghan interlocutors welcomed planned international initiatives to foster cooperation in the region. In the area of development assistance, the mission was informed of perceived inefficiencies in the delivery of aid.”
2008-12-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6031 (2008) · source
“On the subject of national reconciliation, we noted an increasing consensus among Afghan interlocutors on the concept that any dialogue with anti-Government elements must be conducted by the Afghan authorities from a position of strength and that the renunciation of violence and respect for the Afghan Constitution must constitute the red lines of any negotiation. Negotiations are therefore a complement to the fight against terrorism, not an alternative. The process must lead to democratization and not to an increased influence of Taliban obscurantism on Afghan society. While many Afghans, including President Karzai, called for discussions to end the violence, none of the mission's interlocutors wanted to see the Taliban return to power.”
2008-12-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6031 (2008) · source
“The impact of the conflict on civilians is of particular concern and was the subject of in-depth discussions during the visit. The vast majority of civilian casualties are caused by the insurgents, who deliberately target civilians as part of their strategy. We were reassured on this occasion by the close attention ISAF pays to avoiding civilian casualties and by recent steps to reduce casualties and provide redress when they do occur. Free, fair and inclusive elections in 2009 are necessary to renew the legitimacy of the Afghan authorities and to win back the full confidence of the people. The Independent Electoral Commission appeared fully committed to achieving this goal, in accordance with the Afghan Constitution. President Karzai stressed the importance of elections taking place throughout the country.”
2008-12-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6031 (2008) · source
“The "Afghanization" of the security sector and the operational improvement of the Afghan National Security Forces are crucial components of the stabilization process. The international actors reiterated their commitment to meeting Afghan requests to accelerate this progress. Thanks to the increased capacity of the Afghan National Army, ISAF-only operations are now rather an exception. On police reform, the new Minister of the Interior, Mr. Hanif Atmar, called for an 08-63292 increase in the number of mentors and trainers, including at the district level. An enhanced contribution is expected in particular from the European Union Police Mission in Afghanistan. Minister Atmar expressed his acknowledgement that the Government needed to create a change in the public perception of the police and improve its accountability.”
2008-12-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6031 (2008) · source
“There are important areas of progress that invite a sense of cautious optimism for the future: the improvement in relations with Pakistan, which was emphasized by President Karzai and Minister Spanta; the recent cabinet appointments, which seem to have created increased energy, for example, in the fight against corruption; the significant reduction - 19 per cent - in the area of opium cultivation, reported by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime; the commitment to improve subnational governance, including the launching of the Afghanistan Social Outreach Programme; and the registration of nearly 2 million Afghans during the first two phases of the voter registration project without any major security incidents. Those gains must be built upon, especially in the year to come.”
2008-12-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6031 (2008) · source
“That assessment is based on the acknowledgement that the insurgency is concentrated in specific regions and does not offer any alternative model of Government, despite the illusion it creates that it is omnipresent. At the same time, it is obvious that Afghanistan is faced with daunting and multifaceted challenges. In addressing those problems, it is important to avoid any inclination towards frustration or, worse, any inconclusive discussions between Afghanistan and its friends within the international community. Rather, we should redouble our joint efforts in a spirit of partnership.”
2008-12-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6031 (2008) · source
“We also visited Herat, where we met with the regional office of UNAMA, the Provincial Governor, other Afghan officials and the Provincial Reconstruction Team (PRT). In Herat, the mission noted that the activities of the Provincial Reconstruction Team were 08-63292 well received by provincial leaders and public opinion. The Governor and members of the provincial council underlined the importance of the quick-impact assistance projects implemented by the Herat PRT. While the mission report is being prepared, I would like to anticipate a few findings on the basis of the messages that we emphasized during our final press conference. First, we should like to echo Foreign Minister Spanta's statement that Afghanistan is facing a difficult security situation, but not a security crisis.”
2008-12-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6031 (2008) · source
“In Kabul, the mission met with President Karzai and a number of his ministers; the speakers of the upper and lower houses of Parliament; chairmen of parliamentary committees and other members of parliament; the Afghan Independent Human Rights Commission and the Independent Electoral Commission; the Secretary-General of NATO, its Senior Civilian Representative in Kabul and representatives of ISAF; members of the diplomatic community, including the European Union troika and the head of the European Union Police Mission in Afghanistan; civil society organizations; national and international non-governmental organizations; UNAMA senior staff and the United Nations country team. The mission was followed attentively by the Afghan media and public opinion.”
2008-12-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6031 (2008) · source