YouSaid · the spoken record

Wetland

lines on the record: 125
first: 2008-10-14
most recent: 2012-07-25
sittings or episodes: 24
sources: un-security-council

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“First, with regard to elections, free and fair elections are to be held in August. The next six months will test Afghan democracy. Well over 4 million voters were registered earlier this year, and 1.6 million of these new voters are women. They come in addition to the nearly 12 million voters already registered. Some argue that Afghanistan is not ready for democracy. The more than 4 million Afghans who recently registered clearly think that Afghanistan is ready and that they should have their say. There must be no doubt in the mind of any Afghan that elections will be held as scheduled by the Independent Electoral Commission. Norway has supported the election process with $12 million given through the United Nations Development Programme. Freedom of expression, media and assembly must be guaranteed to ensure free and fair elections.”
2009-03-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6094 (2009) · source
“The report of the Secretary-General (S/2009/ 135) also presents a precise picture of the many challenges we are facing. We share the concern that the Taliban is destabilizing previously stable areas and is showing increased disregard for civilian lives. But we must look beyond the horrific incidents of violence and see the long-term achievements that form the building blocks of a better Afghanistan. To mention a few of the positive trends, Afghan security forces, trained by their international partners, have increased their reach, poppy production has been curbed in many parts of the country, and the Government and donors are working together to energize the agricultural sector. I would like to raise three issues here today: elections, the situation of women and our joint international effort.”
2009-03-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6094 (2009) · source
“Thank you, Sir, for this opportunity to speak. The situation in Afghanistan must be judged against the depths from which that country is emerging. Honouring its commitments made at the Paris Conference last year, Norway remains fully committed to rebuilding Afghanistan. At the Conference, Norway pledged some $650 million for the time period covered by the Afghan National Development Strategy. More than 600 Norwegian men and women in uniform are helping to bring security to the people of Afghanistan and to train the Afghan National Army. No other country receives more development assistance from Norway and no other country is seeing more Norwegian military and development personnel. That is the measure of our commitment to Afghanistan. We thank Special Representative Kai Eide for his leadership and for his forceful presentation here today.”
2009-03-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6094 (2009) · source
“Appropriate training is key here, and for the past 14 years, Norway and African partners have run the successful Training for Peace programme capacity-building to enhance civilian and police capacity for African peacekeeping. Norway is also planning to support civilian capacity in the AU Peace Support Operations Division. In conclusion, let me reiterate Norway's strong commitment to supporting the AU in its peacekeeping and peacebuilding efforts. We appreciate the panel's important contribution to the discussion on how to proceed from here, and hope that today's debate will open the path to new and better ways to help the large number of people in Africa who are in urgent need of a more robust peacekeeping effort.”
2009-03-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6092Resumption1 (2009) · source
“Norway agrees with the panel on the need for a clearer strategic vision for the relationship and collaboration between the Security Council and the African Union on issues concerning peace and security. We also fully support the efforts undertaken by the African Union to develop a new African Peace and Security Architecture, including the establishment of an African Standby Force, and to enhance its capacity for conflict prevention and mediation and for addressing post-conflict situations. Norway remains committed to supporting the African Union in all these fields. Military capability must be supplemented by non-military means to build a lasting peace. Civilian and police components are increasingly important in peacekeeping operations, not least with regard to the protection of civilians.”
2009-03-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6092Resumption1 (2009) · source
“One of the first tasks of that team could be to define the strategic relationship between the two organizations. The role of other partners is also important here. Regional organizations, such as the European Union and NATO, as well as individual countries all have roles to play in augmenting African peacekeeping capacity and the emerging African Peace and Security Architecture. We believe it is important that regional organizations take greater responsibility for international peace and security, but the primary responsibility for responding to threats to international peace and security remains with this Council. When regional organizations act in crises situations under Chapter VIII of the Charter, they should always be mandated and coordinated by the Security Council.”
2009-03-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6092Resumption1 (2009) · source
“Norway has also taken note of the panel's recommendations on the use of assessed contributions in support of United Nations-authorized AU peace operations. We believe that such support should be given on a case-by-case basis. The go-ahead given by the Security Council to use assessed contributions to finance a logistics support package for the African Union Mission in Somalia could be an interesting test case. When further developing funding mechanisms, we must also address the need to develop the AU's institutional structures for financial management. This is important to ensure AU ownership and accountability to donors. Norway supports the idea of establishing a joint United Nations-AU team to examine the detailed modalities to support the recommendations made by the panel.”
2009-03-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6092Resumption1 (2009) · source
“That is why the international community needs to assist in this effort, be it with funding, logistics, equipment or by other means. Norway supports the idea of establishing a multi-donor trust fund to finance long-term capacity- building of the African Union. We also favour a mutually agreed and standardized system of reporting for the fund. Such a fund could encourage greater support and better coordination of donor contributions. However, one key issue here is the need to differentiate between projects that qualify as official development assistance (ODA) and projects that do not. This could be done by creating a separate window in the trust fund for ODA funding for non-military and civilian purposes.”
2009-03-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6092Resumption1 (2009) · source
“Let me join others in thanking the Libyan presidency for organizing this open debate and in welcoming to the United Nations Ms. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, Minister for Foreign Affairs of South Africa; Mr. Ramtane Lamamra, African Union (AU) Commissioner for Peace and Security; and Mr. Romano Prodi. Norway welcomes the report of the African Union-United Nations panel on African Union peacekeeping operations (S/2008/813). The report points to a number of critical issues for United Nations peacekeeping operations in general, and underlines the challenges in managing conflicts and maintaining peace and security on the African continent in particular. The AU has a commendable record on mediation, crisis management and peacekeeping. But we know it is challenging to sustain such work over time.”
2009-03-18 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6092Resumption1 (2009) · source
“Norway shall continue to be an active partner in the international efforts to bring about peace and stability to Somalia, as well as to assist the people in need. The Somali leaders and the Somali people should know that the international community is ready to assist, but they should also know that it is only the Somalis themselves who can make the necessary decisions to steer the country in the right direction.”
2008-12-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6046 (2008) · source
“Norway commends the regional efforts of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development to sustain the political reconciliation process in Somalia. We take note of the decision of the Government of Ethiopia to withdraw its troops from Somali soil. This decision also means a great challenge, both to the African Union and to the international community, to assist the Somalis in avoiding a new security vacuum in the country until such time when the Somali institutions themselves may be able to provide the necessary security and stability to their people. We therefore urge the Security Council to address this challenge with speed and determination, so as not to cause any undue delay in the Djibouti peace process.”
2008-12-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6046 (2008) · source
“An improvement of that situation seems to be far from imminent, and that is why today the Council is authorizing special measures against those who undertake acts of piracy, threatening lives as well as lifelines, security interests, commercial interests and an important part of civilization. The measures authorized must be in accordance with international law and humanitarian principles. It is a principled decision, but not an easy decision. But a decision to the contrary now would somehow send the message that States with broken security sectors may be used as safe havens for pirates. And that we cannot accept. The efforts to resurrect Somalia must continue with full force. Millions of people are in need of humanitarian aid and more than a million are internally displaced.”
2008-12-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6046 (2008) · source
“We must cooperate to apprehend pirates and to bring them to justice, and we must do this within the framework of international law, including applicable human rights standards. Furthermore, the more ships that are made available to naval operations, the greater is the need for proper organization and coordination. A clear United Nations role should be explored. The existence of piracy off the coast of Somalia has its roots in the situation on Somali territory. A long-term sustainable solution to the problem of piracy will be difficult to achieve without improving stability on land.”
2008-12-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6046 (2008) · source
“We condemn all acts of piracy. We need to act against piracy, as well as the roots of piracy. We greatly appreciate the efforts of all countries and regional organizations that actively take part in combating this crime off the coast of Somalia. We also commend the Transitional Federal Government for its attitude of cooperation with the international community. We pay tribute to the Security Council for its leadership and for adopting resolutions 1816 (2008), 1838 (2008), 1846 (2008) and now, today, 1851 (2008). Norway is a shipping nation. One thousand Norwegian-owned ships pass through the Gulf of Aden every year. We are open for requests for technical assistance and Norway is ready to make a contribution to the naval operations in the area in 2009.”
2008-12-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6046 (2008) · source
“We meet here in New York knowing that the situation in Somalia is deteriorating. This morning, we met in the Contact Group for Somalia, addressing the political process that may lead towards stability and legal authority or, if it fails, plunge Somalia even deeper into lawlessness. Here, piracy is the issue. We have a dramatic symptom, we have a set of root causes and we need to address both. Piracy off the coast of Somalia is escalating. It is a threat to international trade, to the freedom of navigation and to what that freedom means to our prosperity. It is a grave threat to the countries and peoples in the region, who will suffer the consequences of failing supplies. And let us not forget- this scourge is a telling sign of the lawless misery that continues to haunt the people of Somalia. Norway is gravely concerned.”
2008-12-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6046 (2008) · source
“For that reason, the Peacebuilding Support Office should strengthen its focus on strategic planning and should be entrusted with utilizing the capacities of the United Nations as a whole. The success of the Peacebuilding Commission rests on the extent to which it can target sectors that fall outside the coverage of other funding institutions and contribute to early and tangible results on the ground. Peacebuilding can become a success story for the United Nations. But even more importantly, it could be the path to political stability and development and a life in dignity for millions living in post-conflict countries. As such, it is a real opportunity, but also a challenge, and as such, it must continue to be a priority concern for the Security Council.”
2008-10-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5997 (2008) · source
“Thirdly, peacebuilding will not happen unless there is genuine national ownership. That is why continued resource mobilization and early capacity- building is key. We must never forget that the populations of post-conflict countries are normally found among the bottom billion. The fight against poverty remains one of the essential reasons why peacebuilding is crucial. It is crucial, therefore, that commitments are implemented, and that applies also to the national institutions and authorities themselves. But peacebuilding is a partnership, and the international community must shoulder its responsibility. It is crucial that the Peacebuilding Commission continues the search for an appropriate working format.”
2008-10-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5997 (2008) · source
“Peacebuilding should be a central component for the beginning of the transition from war to lasting peace, and that must be recognized at all levels. It will require constant political attention, on the part of the Security Council and, indeed, the Secretary-General. We therefore emphasize the practice of inviting Peacebuilding Commission Chairs to brief the Council on a regular basis, as well as opportunities for briefings by the Assistant Secretary-General of the Peacebuilding Support Office to the Security Council. Peacebuilding means addressing the most critical areas of nation- building, and that may entail slow progress and setbacks at times. But we must never waiver in that undertaking. It is all about instilling hope and showing the promise of a new beginning.”
2008-10-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5997 (2008) · source
“After two years of gaining experience, we must stay focused on enhancing cooperation with the international financial institutions, especially the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund, as well as with other, regional organizations. The Peacebuilding Commission should be given a more central role in ensuring that the international community is a more reliable partner to Governments in post-conflict situations. The role of neighbouring countries is also essential. In the case of Burundi, we wish to commend in particular the Regional Peace Initiative for Burundi and the South African Facilitation for their indispensable role in support of a durable peace in Burundi. Secondly, we must recognize that peacebuilding is part of our core agenda, and not a subsequent phase or a subsidiary activity to peacekeeping operations.”
2008-10-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5997 (2008) · source
“With the establishment of the Peacebuilding Commission we have started to fill the previous gap in our institutional ability to help countries in the transition from war to lasting peace. While we have seen considerable progress during the lifespan of the Commission - I believe it was the Ambassador of Indonesia who used the term "infancy" here today, that the Peacebuilding Commission is in its infancy - we believe that some factors need increased emphasis. I will address three of them here today. First, we still have a way to go to ensure effective coordination within the United Nations and with other partners. One main purpose of the Peacebuilding Commission is to bring together all relevant actors to marshal resources and to propose integrated strategies for post-conflict peacebuilding and recovery.”
2008-10-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5997 (2008) · source
“It is my pleasure to speak on behalf of the Nordic countries: Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Sweden and Norway. Allow me initially to express our profound gratitude to Ambassador Takasu of Japan for his continued leadership and the lucid remarks that he made at the launch of our discussions here today. Let me also say how pleased we are to see the new Assistant Secretary-General of the Peacebuilding Support Office, Ms. Jane Holl Lute, here among us. We have absolutely no doubt about the professional experience that she brings to this format, to this room, and we will be working with her to make the Peacebuilding Support Office an even more successful part of United Nations activities. Best of luck to her from all of us.”
2008-10-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5997 (2008) · source
“If our joint endeavours in Afghanistan are to succeed, it is crucial that the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) have the necessary resources and sufficient qualified personnel to do the job. That is the only way that UNAMA can fulfil its strengthened mandate and meet our expectations, which are high. We urge Member States and the Secretariat to support UNAMA and Kai Eide in their efforts to rebuild Afghanistan and to fight bureaucracy when it stands in the way.”
2008-10-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5994 (2008) · source
“At the same time, the Afghan Government, which pledged to fight corruption and narcotics, must also be held accountable. The recent appointment of Mr. Atmar as Minister of the Interior is encouraging and promising in that respect. Thirdly, we must not lose time by slowing down the efforts of Special Representative Kai Eide to build a lean and professional United Nations organization in Afghanistan. Mr. Eide was welcomed as a United Nations representative who brought hope to our efforts in Afghanistan, so we should not - to borrow a phrase from the financial crisis - push our bad loans onto him and wish him good luck. We have a serious obligation to support him every day.”
2008-10-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5994 (2008) · source
“I would like to raise three issues today. First, let me mention elections. The United Nations and, in particular, the United Nations Development Programme, are doing an important job in assisting the Afghan authorities to prepare for elections. Our main priority now must be to assist voter registration, to provide information about the election and to make it safe to vote - in particular, to make it safe for women to vote. The elections, which we hope will demonstrate that the Taliban is losing ground, must take place according to plan. Secondly, we - the donors who pledged our support in Paris - must honour our pledges. We should all be held accountable at regular intervals and we must let ourselves be coordinated, as we agreed in Paris.”
2008-10-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5994 (2008) · source
“Norway is fully committed to the rebuilding of Afghanistan. At the Paris Conference in June, Norway pledged â‚¬500 million for the period covered by the Afghanistan National Development Strategy. That makes Afghanistan the number one recipient of Norwegian development and humanitarian assistance. As friends of Afghanistan, we are concerned by all the negative reporting on developments in the country. We must not inflict fatigue on our people on the ground or on our soldiers and aid-workers by speaking the language of defeat and decline. Let us instead focus on the improvements and important nuances in the security situation. Not all of Afghanistan is equally troubled. Three quarters of security incidents this year have occurred in a part of the country where only 6 per cent of the population lives.”
2008-10-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5994 (2008) · source