YouSaid · the spoken record

Wittig

lines on the record: 917
first: 2010-02-12
most recent: 2014-02-12
sittings or episodes: 146
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

“We acknowledge the Syrian Government's announcements of reforms, including the lifting of the state of emergency today through decree No. 161. If fully and swiftly implemented, it could be a first step in a wider programme of necessary reforms. In Yemen, the protests against the Government of President Saleh have risen sharply in number and strength since their onset in January 2011. The security situation, in particular, and continued news of violence coming from many Yemeni cities continue to give rise to great concern. Despite a wide range of efforts, also by members of the international community, we are facing an intractable political impasse that has put the country at the brink of a political and economic tragedy.”
2011-04-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6520 (2011) · source
“For too long, the people of the Middle East have suffered from conflict and confrontation. It is time to reach a final and comprehensive settlement that will resolve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and end the occupation that began in 1967. The status quo is not sustainable. Our goal remains a framework agreement on all final status issues by September. Germany will contribute to achieving this goal. The deteriorating situation in Syria, violence across that country and the rising death toll remain of serious concern. We condemn the use of force by security forces against peaceful demonstrators, and call on Syria to address the legitimate demands of the Syrian people by urgently implementing a credible programme of political reforms as a path to long-term stability.”
2011-04-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6520 (2011) · source
“In this context, we call on all international supporters to make use of the existing land crossings to channel their support to Gaza, and to abstain from provocations. Despite the concerns to which I have referred, there is some positive news as well. On 13 April, the Ad Hoc Liaison Committee for the Coordination of International Assistance to Palestinians met and acknowledged the Palestinian Authority's State- building efforts, stating that the Authority is above the threshold for a functioning State in the key sectors. Germany has been a major donor to the Palestinian Authority, nationally and through the EU. We have made a major political and financial investment in Palestinian State-building. This investment has been made to achieve a two-State solution and sustainable peace for Israelis and Palestinians.”
2011-04-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6520 (2011) · source
“The loss of civilian lives in Gaza is deeply regrettable. Further escalation must be prevented. We continue to call for the immediate and unconditional release of Staff Sergeant Gilad Shalit, who has been held hostage for almost five years now. We would like to express our concern with regard to a possible second Gaza flotilla. The planned activities bear considerable potential for escalation. In line with what was said by Lynn Pascoe earlier, we call on the organizations involved to find other ways to deliver aid to the people of Gaza. The appropriate way ahead is the full implementation of resolution 1860 (2009) calling for the immediate, sustained and unconditional opening of crossings for goods and people to and from Gaza, and for the prevention of the illicit trafficking of arms and ammunition.”
2011-04-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6520 (2011) · source
“It is illegal under international law, constitutes an obstacle to peace and threatens to make a two-State solution impossible. New construction plans should be abandoned. All members of the Council are in agreement that continued settlement activity seriously threatens the prospects for peace. Gaza remains a serious concern. Developments over the past two weeks have demonstrated once again the fragility of the current situation. A ceasefire agreed on 14 April held for only three days. Germany strongly condemns the continued firing of rockets and mortars into Israeli territory, in particular the targeting of a school bus with an anti-tank missile. This type of action is utterly unacceptable. Germany recognizes Israel's right to protect its citizens against attacks. At the same time, we look to Israel to exercise this right judiciously.”
2011-04-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6520 (2011) · source
“Within this context, we look forward to the speech President Obama will deliver on the region. Strong United States leadership is required. The parties must commit unequivocally to returning to meaningful direct negotiations on this basis as soon as possible and without setting additional conditions. We call on President Abbas and Prime Minister Netanyahu to show flexibility and, within this context, on the Prime Minister to open a forward- looking perspective in his address to Congress. Germany remains strongly opposed to unilateral action impacting on final status issues, whether from the Palestinian or from the Israeli side. Seeking statehood through unilateral steps will not bring sustainable peace. Israeli settlement activity should cease immediately.”
2011-04-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6520 (2011) · source
“We want to see the State of Israel and a sovereign, independent, democratic, contiguous and viable State of Palestine living side by side in peace and security. There is no alternative to the two-State solution. Making decisive progress by September is possible, and the window of opportunity is still open. Negotiations are the only viable way forward. The international community must set a framework. We remain convinced that clear parameters are a prerequisite if negotiations are to be successful. Germany set out its view on parameters along with the United Kingdom and France on 18 February in the Council (see S/PV.6484), supported by EU member States and many others. We call on the Quartet to work in this direction and to bring about the progress required prior to the September deadline it has itself endorsed.”
2011-04-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6520 (2011) · source
“I would like to thank Under-Secretary-General Lynn Pascoe for his briefing. Germany aligns itself with the statement to be delivered later by the representative of the European Union. Members of the Council, whenever they were meeting on the situation in the Middle East in recent months, were entirely in agreement on the urgency of making progress in the Middle East peace process. With little more than four months to go until September, this sense of urgency is growing considerably. Every day that passes without the re-establishment of a credible political process is a lost day. We must not allow this to continue; risks are growing, and chances are dwindling. We must overcome the deadlock and re-establish a credible political process, well in advance of the September deadlines.”
2011-04-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6520 (2011) · source
“All stakeholders, including the hundreds of non-governmental organizations working in the field, are called upon to continue to contribute constructively to these efforts in order to make real progress possible. In concluding, let me underscore that Germany remains committed to assisting the people of Haiti, both nationally and as member of the European Union.”
2011-04-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6510 (2011) · source
“We also note the Secretary-General's call on all international partners to work with the Government and the United Nations in a concerted and cohesive effort to strengthen the rule of law. Madam President, in preparing today's debate, the Colombian Government strongly supported a call for the enhanced and effective coordination of all international efforts for Haiti. We fully share your sense of urgency on this issue and support any initiative aimed at enhancing existing mechanisms for coordination in line with the priorities of the Haitian Government. The United Nations, including the United Nations country team and MINUSTAH, must continue to play a fundamental role in this regard. In that context, we also encourage the United Nations Coordinator for Humanitarian Affairs to continue her coordination efforts.”
2011-04-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6510 (2011) · source
“Germany would like to express its sincere gratitude to Special Envoy President Clinton for his persistent efforts in helping the people of Haiti to embark on that road of reconstruction and development and to encourage the private sector to look at Haiti as an investment opportunity. For these efforts to be successful, the rule of law must be strengthened in all areas of society and respected and implemented by all relevant actors. Institutional capacity and an adequate legal framework are prerequisites for sustainable economic development and an increase in foreign investment. We commend Special Representative Edmond Mulet for his initiative to realign resources in support of a rule- of-law compact aimed at bringing the rule of law and economic development together.”
2011-04-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6510 (2011) · source
“We pay tribute to all the men and women from the different nations participating in this important United Nations Mission. The security-related challenges are manifold, ranging from gang violence, drugs and human trafficking to sexual and gender-based violence. On the latter aspect, we commend the United Nations for developing an operational plan for strengthening women's security, and MINUSTAH for launching a campaign aimed at discouraging sexual violence. We urge all relevant actors to continue all efforts aimed at enhancing the protection of vulnerable groups. Thirdly, on reconstruction, development and the rule of law, for the future of Haiti and the reconstruction and long-term development of the country, it will be essential that Haiti succeed in attracting private foreign investment.”
2011-04-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6510 (2011) · source
“I would like to focus on three aspects where MINUSTAH has an important supporting role to play, namely, elections, security and reconstruction, development and the rule of law. I should first like to turn to elections. The electoral process must be completed in a peaceful, credible and legitimate manner. In the light of the preliminary results of the presidential election, we join the call on all political leaders in Haiti to live up to their responsibilities, to contribute constructively to an atmosphere of political dialogue, to help to heal the wounds of the political battles of the past and to build together a better future for their country. Secondly, on security, MINUSTAH's continued presence remains a prerequisite for the stabilization and development of the country.”
2011-04-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6510 (2011) · source
“The Council will rightly reiterate that the ownership of, and the primary responsibility for, recovery and reconstruction lie with the Government and people of Haiti. At the same time, we are all aware of the fact that this will require sustained and well-coordinated support and assistance from the international community. The United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH) has a complex mandate, which it is implementing in a pragmatic manner. We would like to recognize Edmond Mulet's able leadership in that regard, as well as to thank him and his team for their unflagging commitment. I would also like to pay tribute to his predecessor, the late Hedi Annabi, who lost his life in the earthquake.”
2011-04-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6510 (2011) · source
“I would like to thank the Secretary-General and his Special Envoy, former President William Jefferson Clinton for their reports and briefings today. I was impressed to learn of President Clinton's initiatives in the field of economic recovery, especially the small business initiative. I also wish to join my colleagues in very warmly welcoming President Preval to the Security Council. I would like to pay tribute to him for steering his country through enormously difficult and trying times, including a peaceful transfer of power. Germany aligns itself with the statement to be delivered later in this debate on behalf of the European Union. More than a year after the devastating earthquake, the magnitude of the challenges that the people of Haiti face remains daunting.”
2011-04-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6510 (2011) · source
“Mr. Wittig (Germany) (spoke in Spanish): I would like to express my gratitude to the Colombian presidency for its initiative to organize today's meeting on the situation in Haiti. (spoke in English) With Haiti currently in the final phase of the electoral process, this debate is very timely. At this critical moment, it is important that the Council reiterate its clear message of support and solidarity with the people of Haiti. Your presence, Madame President, and that of President Santos Calderon here today underscore the great importance that your country, jointly with many other countries, in particular from Latin America and the Caribbean, attaches to helping the people of Haiti recover from the horrific earthquake, which was followed by devastating hurricanes and an outbreak of cholera.”
2011-04-06 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6510 (2011) · source
“107) I hope that today's debate, like the debate that the General Assembly convened earlier in the week, will take us a step further towards realizing the full potential of the Commission as an advisory body that is uniquely positioned to help the United Nations meet the challenges facing our collective capacity to deliver on the promises to respond to the needs of millions of people in countries emerging from conflict. 3”
2011-03-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6503 (2011) · source
“By linking up the Peacebuilding Commission's work to that of peacekeeping, development and political actors in the field, the Commission has added considerable value. The challenge facing the Commission in demonstrating its full potential, however, is to ensure that its work is backed by a higher level of political commitment from the Member States and the senior leadership of the United Nations. As noted by the co-facilitators of the 2010 review report, "the review should be a wake-up call to strengthen the collective resolve to deal with peacebuilding in a more comprehensive and determined way". (S/2011/41, para.”
2011-03-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6503 (2011) · source
“The Office has also continued to provide regular briefings on the activities and operations of the Peacebuilding Fund. Those briefings have contributed to deepening the understanding of the synergy between the Commission and the Fund in the countries on the Commission's agenda. The recently introduced interaction with the Fund's Advisory Group has provided the Commission with an opportunity to address a number of broad policy issues for the Fund. The Fund's resources, combined with the efforts of the Commission, helped to ensure that the countries on the Commission's agenda benefited from the sustained attention and support of the international community, with 64 per cent of the Fund's total contributions being allocated to those countries.”
2011-03-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6503 (2011) · source
“In addition, the Council and the PBC jointly organized a special event on the Millennium Development Goals in countries emerging from conflict. That event testified to the Commission's growing advocacy role for an integrated approach to peacebuilding, including 11-27495 through well-deserved focus on the socio-economic dimension of peacebuilding. Going forward, the Commission looks forward to further deepening its linkages with the General Assembly. There is a clear need to bring to bear the Assembly's perspective on key thematic issues. Thirdly, the Commission continues to receive direct and substantive support from the Peacebuilding Support Office. Notwithstanding its stretched capacity, the Office has also been an essential linkage between the Commission and the operational entities within and outside the United Nations system.”
2011-03-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6503 (2011) · source
“That joint membership provides a natural interface that could facilitate the Council's drawing more actively and regularly on the Commission's advice. The Commission could provide early peacebuilding perspectives in the design and review of, or transition from, peacekeeping mandates. It could identify and promote country-specific sustainability factors. It could catalyse early partnerships with the international financial institutions. And it could benchmark and monitor the progression from stabilization to transition and consolidation. The reporting period also witnessed the continuing development of the Commission's relationship with the Economic and Social Council through the established briefing made by the PBC Chairperson to the 2010 substantive session.”
2011-03-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6503 (2011) · source
“Briefings by the Chairs of the country configurations contributed to the discussions of the Council at its periodic considerations of the situations and mandates involving the countries on the Commission's agenda. Most recently, the Council has engaged the Chairs in informal dialogues on certain country situations. The outcome of the thematic debates and the deepening of the engagement of the Chairs of the PBC country configurations marked an important step towards more serious consideration by the Council of the Commission's advisory role. I would like to advocate for enhanced interaction between the Commission and the Council. The 2010 review highlighted in particular the potential for developing a dynamic linkage between the Commission and the Council. Eleven of the 15 members of the Security Council are currently members of the PBC.”
2011-03-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6503 (2011) · source
“It worked to generate interest in its work across the membership of the General Assembly, the Security Council and the Economic and Social Council. During the reporting period, the Commission witnessed a growing openness and encouraging signs of interest on the part of the Security Council and the Economic and Social Council. 11-27495 The important thematic debates convened by the Security Council between February 2010 and February 2011 offered recurring opportunities for the PBC, the United Nations membership and senior leadership to engage with the Council around critical peacebuilding- related policies. The participation of the World Bank in a number of these debates also confirmed the evolving partnership with the Bank at a time when it is further developing its approach to assisting countries emerging from conflict.”
2011-03-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6503 (2011) · source
“In view of the complexity of peacebuilding challenges and the multiplicity of actors, the need for coherence and partnerships cannot be overemphasized. Building and strengthening partnerships has been identified as a key area of potential value added for the Commission. In this regard, the Organizational Committee devoted the majority of its efforts and time to engaging the international financial institutions, especially the World Bank, and regional organizations, especially the African Union. Generally, the Chairperson and Vice- Chairpersons focused on joining up with a range of potential partners from civil society and academia. Secondly, the Commission has particularly prioritized the need to strengthen the interaction with the principal organs of the United Nations.”
2011-03-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6503 (2011) · source
“The report also reflects the Commission's plans to take forward the recommendations from the review in a way that would facilitate its annual reporting to the General Assembly and the Security Council. The Commission is proceeding in this direction on the basis of a road map of actions in 2011. It focuses on meeting practical objectives and making concrete progress in enhancing the Commission's impact on national capacity-development, resource mobilization and aligning key actors behind common peacebuilding objectives. Allow me to highlight a few elements from the report. First, the report underscores the thematic focus of the Commission during its fourth session around the theme "Partnership for peacebuilding".”
2011-03-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6503 (2011) · source
“In 2010, peacebuilding and the future role of the United Nations peacebuilding architecture were very prominently discussed Within and outside the United Nations. The review, which was ably guided by the 2 Permanent Representatives of Ireland, Mexico and South Africa, offered an opportunity to appreciate the potentials of and the challenges facing the Commission. The momentum generated by the 2010 review must be maintained especially as the Commission further expands its agenda. The report of the Peacebuilding Commission reflects a collective effort on the part of the members of its Organizational Committee. Progress has been made in addressing emerging recommendations from the 2010 review, in particular in connection with the creation of a new PBC country-specific configuration on Liberia.”
2011-03-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6503 (2011) · source
“On behalf of the members of the Peacebuilding Commission (PBC), I am pleased to present the report of the Commission on its fourth session (S/201l/41). Strengthening the peacebuilding agenda, enhancing its impact in the field and providing continued support to the peacebuilding efforts in Burundi, the Central African Republic, Guinea-Bissau and Sierra Leone were at the core of the Commission's work in 2010. In September 2010, the Commission made Liberia the fifth country on the agenda in response to a request from the Security Council on behalf of the Government of Liberia. Most recently, the Commission responded to a request for advice and accompaniment from the Republic of Guinea. This was the first time that such a request was directly submitted to the Commission.”
2011-03-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6503 (2011) · source
“Iran must restore confidence in the exclusively peaceful nature of its nuclear programme. The first step in that direction is the establishment of mutual confidence. The recent talks in Istanbul were meant to create such confidence. From our perspective, the conversations in Istanbul were very disappointing. We call on Iran to reconsider its intransigent attitude and to return to the negotiating table in good faith - ready to engage constructively. We deplore the fact that talks have not yet led to substantial conclusions. As set out in resolution 1929 (2010), we remain committed to our offer of June 2008. Additional proposals were made in Istanbul. We continue to believe that a solution will only come about through negotiations and dialogue. Dialogue requires that both sides be ready to engage. We are. The door remains open for Iran.”
2011-03-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6502 (2011) · source
“In that regard, we call on Iran to cooperate with the Agency by implementing and ratifying the additional protocol. We also believe it is time to finally apply the modified Code 3.1 of the subsidiary arrangements to the safeguards agreement. We are particularly concerned about possible military dimensions of the Iranian nuclear programme. We urge Iran to discuss the outstanding issues with the Agency and to facilitate the provision of additional information, as well as to grant access to persons and installations as required by the Agency. Let me conclude by highlighting that, together with our partners in the international community, in particular in the framework of the E3+3, we remain committed to finding a long-lasting and peaceful solution to the Iranian nuclear file.”
2011-03-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6502 (2011) · source
“Today's briefing follows the latest report of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) on the implementation of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons safeguards agreement and relevant provisions of the Council's resolutions on Iran. The report clearly states that Iran has not suspended work on all heavy-water-related projects, which is a violation of the relevant resolutions of the Council. Although it is obliged to suspend all enrichment- related activities by the same resolutions, Iran is continuing to pursue enrichment activities and is once again in Violation of its international obligations. The IAEA summarizes Iran's obligations in its report, which need to be fully implemented in order to restore confidence in the exclusively peaceful nature of Iran's nuclear programme.”
2011-03-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6502 (2011) · source
“Secondly, let me state the obvious: obligations deriving from resolutions of the Council have to be fulfilled by all Member States. We are aware that this requires firm commitment and significant efforts. Best practices may prove to be useful in that regard. I would like to recommend that the Panel of Experts develop a toolbox for best practices concerning the implementation of sanctions. Thirdly, with regard to a proactive outreach campaign with the broader membership, Germany welcomes outreach activities to inform Member States of the current sanctions regime. The efficiency of measures could be improved by providing other States with assistance in developing export-control 5 mechanisms and by pursuing in-reach activities on internal compliance procedures of private companies.”
2011-03-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6502 (2011) · source
“I join others in expressing our particular concern about two cases that occurred last week and that underline once more the urgency of proper sanctions implementation. We now need a proper assessment of the patterns of sanctions violations to better understand the circumvention of the existing regime. More accurate reporting by Member States will be helpful in that regard. We encourage Member States to cooperate with the Committee and the Panel of Experts and urge them to promptly report incidents of sanctions violations and denials of export licenses in a detailed and comprehensive manner. We welcome the report of the Panel on implementation reporting in accordance with resolution 1929 (2010). That report contains a useful checklist that may enable Member States to improve their reporting practice.”
2011-03-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6502 (2011) · source
“We welcome the establishment of the Panel of Experts as laid out in resolution 1929 (2010). The Panel is operational and is pursuing its tasks with dedication and commitment. The Panel's interim report contains a number of practical recommendations. We fully support those useful recommendations, which provide a solid basis for improving the implementation of existing sanctions measures. Let me draw the Council's attention to three issues mentioned in the report. First, Germany is concerned about the high number of cases of violations recently uncovered and reported to the Committee. Many of those cases involve the extensive delivery of weapons from Iran to unstable regions in West Africa and the Middle East.”
2011-03-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6502 (2011) · source
“May I join others in thanking Ambassador Nestor Osorio for his first briefing in his capacity as Chair of the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1737 (2006). As he assumed responsibility for that crucial Committee at the beginning of this year, let me congratulate him on taking over that important task. I assure him that my delegation will support him unconditionally. The Committee plays a vital role in pursuing the dual-track strategy. That strategy can only produce results if the existing measures as agreed by the Council in four resolutions are thoroughly implemented. Germany wishes to express support for the Committee's work. We welcome the fact that the first meeting of the Committee two weeks ago 11-27294 provided its members with an opportunity to express their concerns and expectations.”
2011-03-22 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6502 (2011) · source
“If the steps proposed turn out to be ineffective, we see the danger of being drawn into a protracted military conflict that would affect the wider region. We should not enter into a militarily confrontation on the optimistic assumption that quick results with few casualties will be achieved. Germany therefore decided not to support a military option, as foreseen particularly in paragraphs 4 and 8 of the resolution. Furthermore, Germany will not contribute to such a military effort with its own forces. Germany therefore decided to abstain in the voting.”
2011-03-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6498 (2011) · source
“We need to cut it off from the financial means that have helped it to remain in power. In our view, strong sanctions, backed by the whole international community, will be an effective way to end the rule of Muammar Al-Qadhafi and thereby to initiate the necessary political transition. We have contributed a number of proposals in this regard. Germany fully supports the package of economic and financial sanctions in the resolution just adopted. Decisions on the use of military force are always extremely difficult to take. We have very carefully considered the option of using military force - its implications as well as its limitations. We see great risks. The likelihood of large-scale loss of life should not be underestimated.”
2011-03-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6498 (2011) · source
“We see a need to stop the violence and to start a true political process. The basis for democracy and the rule of law in Libya needs to be established and broadened. In this process, the people of Libya, who have so clearly expressed their aspirations to freedom and democracy, need to succeed. With this aim in mind, we regard the Interim Transitional National Council as an important interlocutor. We welcome the Secretary-General's appointment of Mr. Abdel-Elah Al-Khatib as his Special Envoy for Libya. His mission merits our respect and our full support. We are particularly concerned about the plight of the Libyan people and the widespread and systematic attacks they are suffering. It is therefore crucial that we tighten the sanctions against the Al-Qadhafi regime even more.”
2011-03-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6498 (2011) · source
“We have gathered today to address the serious situation in Libya. Our intention is to stop the violence in the country and to send clear messages to Al-Qadhafi and his regime that their time is over. Muammar Al-Qadhafi must relinquish power immediately. His regime has lost all legitimacy and can no longer be an interlocutor for us. While we act on Libya, North Africa is undergoing major political changes. Aspirations to democracy and human and individual rights merit our full support. They offer unique opportunities for political, social and economic transformation. To achieve this goal, we seek close cooperation with our partners in the region, in particular the League of Arab States and the African Union. Our aim is to promote the political transformation of Libya.”
2011-03-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6498 (2011) · source
“Let me end by emphasizing that it is the quality of the cooperation between the United Nations and the people of Afghanistan that will ultimately decide our success. Given what we have achieved and invested, my delegation is convinced that there is every reason to continue to work together for a prosperous and secure Afghanistan.”
2011-03-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6497 (2011) · source
“My delegation wishes to underline, however, that the Afghan Government is right in reminding the Council, in the recent letter from its Foreign Minister (see S/2011/118), of our responsibility and commitment to empowering the Afghan institutions, and that sometimes the amount of goodwill of development partners can also contribute to undermining Afghan solutions to Afghan problems. In this context, Germany supports a review of United Nations support in the perspective of the next mandate renewal in March 2012, as soon as we are in a position to evaluate, on an informed basis, our first experiences with transition and reconciliation. The Bonn Conference in December, in response to a request from our Afghan friends, was been timed to contribute to such a process.”
2011-03-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6497 (2011) · source
“We are also pleased to note that, despite regional disparities, the latest police survey by the United Nations Development Programme notes the significantly improved confidence of the local population when compared to 2009. The increasing number of civilian casualties is intolerable. Germany notes with serious concern the latest trends. At the same time, we also note and welcome the continued progress made by Afghan and international forces in avoiding civilian casualties. Germany firmly supports the extension of the Mission's mandate for 12 months, as recommended by the Secretary-General and requested by the Government of Afghanistan. I am glad to report that we have been observing great unity in the Council's ongoing negotiations on the UNAMA mandate.”
2011-03-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6497 (2011) · source
“We encourage UNAMA to continue to support the Afghan Government in this field. We hope that the ongoing tensions around the status of the parliament will be resolved soon, as they are preventing it from effectively discharging its functions as set out in the Constitution. The continued support of the United Nations will also be essential for further improving the sustainability of the electoral system. In a couple of days from now, at Nowruz on 21 March, President Karzai will announce the first tranche of areas selected for transition to an Afghan lead in security responsibilities. Although the overall number of security incidents remains alarming, Germany is encouraged by the recent progress in building the necessary strength of the Afghan security institutions.”
2011-03-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6497 (2011) · source
“This is of particular relevance in the areas of good governance, the rule of law and human rights and freedoms, including the role of women. We commend the Afghan Government's achievements to date and encourage it to continue to give priority to these policy areas. In the light of the transition, Germany is concerned by the fact that the technical capacity for the successful implementation of the Government's national priority programmes is not yet in place throughout the country. Especially in regions and areas where early transition is planned, we call on UNAMA and other partners to redouble their efforts in support of the Afghan Government. Sustainability and a successful transition will not be possible without an inclusive political process. Germany puts great hopes in the evolving reconciliation process.”
2011-03-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6497 (2011) · source
“The Kabul process is essentially an ambitious agenda for transition towards increasingly Afghan-led processes. It corresponds to the need for real Afghan empowerment, based on the rule of law and national capacities. Speaking for one of the major donor countries, let me make on point crystal clear: transition does not mean reduced international engagement, but rather a change in our support in and for Afghanistan. Transition will be gradual and conditions-based. The character of the international engagement will focus increasingly on training and capacity-building. Here, UNAMA will continue to be in a unique position to contribute to the empowerment of the Afghan people. My Government shares the view of the Secretary- General that, wherever we have achieved progress, sustainability must be our key concern.”
2011-03-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6497 (2011) · source
“Before I offer some remarks from my national perspective, let me underline that my Government aligns itself with the statement to be delivered later by the representative of the European Union. The European Union is one of the major supporters of stabilization in Afghanistan and the region. Afghanistan is a national foreign policy priority for the German Government. We consider it an honour 11-2662] to be holding the pen on this important Security Council dossier for the next two years and we look forward to working with the Council in support of Afghanistan. We thank our Turkish predecessors for their valuable work and their continuous commitment, in particular in the field of regional cooperation. My Government will continue to support our Afghan friends as we enter into a phase of concrete transition.”
2011-03-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6497 (2011) · source
“Let me first extend a particular word of thanks to Special Representative Staffan de Mistura for his briefing today, and to his colleagues in the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) for their dedicated and outstanding work in fulfilment of the Council's mandate and in support of the Afghan Government and people. Staffan de Mistura and UNAMA are working under extremely complex and challenging circumstances. I also thank the Secretary-General for his comprehensive and very timely report (S/20ll/l20*). My delegation is gratefiil to Ambassador Tanin for his welcome remarks and for the close cooperation we enjoy with him and his team.”
2011-03-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6497 (2011) · source
“Germany encourages the United Nations to strive to strengthen its presence in Somalia and especially in Mogadishu, as outlined by the Secretary-General in his most recent report. We welcome the recent efforts of the United Nations Political Office for Somalia and the United Nations country team in this respect. An enhanced United Nations presence on the ground can contribute to a more direct engagement with the various communities and thus to a political solution in Somalia.”
2011-03-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6494 (2011) · source
“Germany and the European Union are extensively assisting AMISOM. and troop- contributing countries. Germany recently delivered substantial equipment aid to Burundian AMISOM contingents worth well over $5 million. We invite other donors to join our common effort and support AMISOM. Germany is impressed by the professional and successful work carried out by AMISOM. and its troop contributors in fulfilling its daunting task. We thank them for their dedication and are encouraged by the recent progress made on the ground, in Mogadishu and beyond. We are very saddened by the recent casualties among AMISOM. soldiers. My last point concerns the future of a United Nations presence in Somalia.”
2011-03-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6494 (2011) · source
“We feel that their traditions and experiences can add significantly to the political process on the ground. In the longer perspective, extended cooperation between all actors could enhance opportunities for economic and social development beyond those regions, for the betterment of all Somalia. Piracy originating from Somalia needs to be tackled in a comprehensive way. The United Nations and all other international actors have to pursue their common efforts in this regard. Germany will continue to actively take part in this endeavour. Let me turn to the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM). We reiterate our full support to the African Union Mission in Somalia and its troop contributors, and are looking forward to its full deployment in the near future, in accordance with resolution 1964 (2010).”
2011-03-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6494 (2011) · source
“The Transitional Federal Institutions must stop their political infighting. They are responsible to their people. They must refrain from unilateral actions, such as the recent extension of its term by the Transitional Federal Parliament. The international community has to pursue its support to the Somali people and Somali institutions, in particular the security institutions, in order to work towards the stabilization of Somalia. Wherever possible, we should explore ways to extend our support to those regions of Somalia enjoying relative stability and security, including Somaliland and Puntland. We should also urge better cooperation between such regions and the Transitional Federal Government in Mogadishu. We also see the need to engage with local administrations, communities and civil society as a whole.”
2011-03-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6494 (2011) · source