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2010-02-12
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  1. In my remarks I shall focus on what the Committee considers to be the most important elements: first, the evolving nature of the threat posed by Al-Qaida; secondly, enhancing implementation of the sanctions measures; and thirdly, fair and clear procedures. A more detailed version of this statement will be distributed in a hard copy today and made available on the Committee's website. My first point concerns the nature of the threat posed by Al-Qaida. Al-Qaida and its associates continue to pose a threat to international peace and security, and this threat continues to evolve. As such, it is important for Member States to continue making every effort to fully implement the measures outlined in resolution 1989 (2011).

    2012-05-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6767 (2012) · source

  2. The Committees take note of the 12-33504 recommendation of the Secretary-General for Member States to consider appointing a United Nations counter- terrorism coordinator, and, in that regard, look forward to the discussions on that initiative in connection with their deliberations on further improving cross- institutional coherence of United Nations counter- terrorism efforts. Let me now come to my second statement in my capacity as Chair of the Al-Qaida Sanctions Committee. In today's briefing, as Chair of that Committee, I would like to provide an update on the activities and achievements of the Committee established pursuant to resolutions 1267 (1999) and 1989 (2011) concerning Al-Qaida and associated individuals and entities since my last briefing in November 2011 (see S/PV.6658).

    2012-05-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6767 (2012) · source

  3. At the same time, the Committees see room for further improvement regarding cooperation and cost- effectiveness. The expert groups should further enhance their cooperation in line with their respective mandates, in particular with regard to their outreach activities. The Committees note with concern that terrorist groups continue to seek to exploit gaps in the capacity of Member States to fully implement counter-terrorism measures. The Committees' groups of experts can play a pertinent role in advising States that seek assistance in building counter-terrorism capacity. The Committees welcome all efforts aimed at enhancing the visibility of United Nations counter- terrorism activities and ensuring greater cooperation, coordination and coherence among United Nations entities with a View to promoting transparency and avoiding duplication.

    2012-05-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6767 (2012) · source

  4. The three Committees continue to attach great importance to the coordination and cooperation between the Counter-Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate (CTED), the Monitoring Team of the Al-Qaida Sanctions Committee and the group of experts assisting the 1540 Committee. The Committees welcome the continuing efforts of the expert groups to cooperate on outreach activities and country visits within their respective mandates, enhance cooperation with international, regional and subregional organizations, increase exchange of information, participate in joint meetings and maintain reciprocal representation as appropriate. I am pleased to report that cooperation among the expert groups has increased in some areas. The details are outlined in the hard copy of this statement to be distributed.

    2012-05-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6767 (2012) · source

  5. A more detailed version of this statement will be distributed today in hard copy and made available on the website of the Committee established pursuant to resolutions 1267 (1999) and 1989 (2011). Terrorism and the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction continue to pose a serious threat to international peace and security. It remains important to maintain close cooperation and effective coordination between the Counter-Terrorism Committee, the Al-Qaida Sanctions Committee and the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1540 (2004) as well as between their respective groups of experts.

    2012-05-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6767 (2012) · source

  6. Mr. President, as you said, I have the pleasure of making various statements today - three, as a matter of fact. First, I will speak on behalf of the three subsidiary bodies. Then, immediately afterward, I will speak on behalf of the Al-Qaida Sanctions Committee. Finally, later in the debate, I will make a statement in my national capacity. On behalf of the Chairs of the three subsidiary bodies of the Security Council established pursuant to resolutions 1267 (1999) and 1989 (2011), 1373 (2001) and 1540 (2004), I have the honour to update the Security Council on the continuing cooperation among the three Committees and their expert groups, as requested by the Council in its resolutions 1989 (2011), 1963 (2010) and 1977 (2011), and earlier resolutions. For the sake of brevity, I will focus my remarks on the most relevant strategic aspects.

    2012-05-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6767 (2012) · source

  7. Furthermore, the Council is lending its support to the communique and road map of the African Union, as the competent regional organization. Germany strongly supports the African Union's initiative and its leadership role in the Sudan and South Sudan. Resolution 2046 (2012) provides an opportunity for those countries to return to peaceful, responsible and mutually beneficial relations. It now falls to the Governments in Khartoum and Juba to seize this opportunity for the sake of their peoples. The Security Council should and will closely monitor the situation and the parties' compliance with the obligations contained in the resolution.

    2012-05-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6764 (2012) · source

  8. Germany voted in favour of resolution 2046 (2012), which we also co-sponsored. With the resolution, adopted under Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter and imposing binding obligations on the Sudan and South Sudan, the Council is sending a clear and unequivocal message. Recent months have brought the two countries to the brink of all-out war. We have had to witness the events in Abyei, the conflict in South Kordofan and Blue Nile, a dispute about borders and oil, aerial bombardments, the establishment of the Sudan Revolutionary Front and, most recently, events in and around Heglig. The Council's primary responsibility is to maintain international peace and security. With the adoption of resolution 2046 (2012), it is reacting in an appropriate and timely way to a clear threat to that international peace and security.

    2012-05-02 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6764 (2012) · source

  9. I would also like to mention our support for the UNODC Global Container Control Programme, aimed at ensuring effective control of container cargo in some West African countries in order to suppress and prevent drug trafficking. Within the European Union (EU) framework, we contribute to the EU Sahel strategy, which addresses both development and security issues and aims at strengthening regional cooperation.

    2012-04-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6760 (2012) · source

  10. Border control, monitoring and security are not primarily ensured by each sovereign State member, individually, but through regional cooperation. The draft presidential statement that the Council will adopt today also rightly stresses the important role of regional organizations and underlines the need for regional strategies and United Nations support for regional cooperation. Germany has for a long time been committed to a comprehensive approach to curb the illicit trade of small arms and light weapons and to prevent the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. For several years now, Germany has been a strong supporter of projects of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) aimed at capacity-building in the security sector.

    2012-04-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6760 (2012) · source

  11. In that regard, it might be worthwhile to explore how United Nations police could assist in enhancing such capacities by providing support for the early reconstruction and capacity-building of border protection entities. In that regard, Germany supports the African Union Border Programme, aimed at the demarcation of borders, cross-border cooperation and capacity development. Last but not least, national border-management efforts should be embedded in close international cooperation with neighbouring States as well as regional and international organizations. In the case of the Schengen Area in Europe, regarding the movement of persons and goods inside the single European market, there are generally no internal border controls.

    2012-04-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6760 (2012) · source

  12. Looking at United Nations efforts to help Member States tackle those challenges, we would like to stress the importance of capacity-building and institution-building. Those elements are key to enabling functioning State institutions to adequately differentiate among the various goods and persons crossing their borders. With regard to capacity- building, I would like to mention that Germany has supported a number of projects, such as providing technical aid in the framework of a customs data project. Also, in peacekeeping operations, the reconstruction of border control capacities should be given particular attention where appropriate at an early stage.

    2012-04-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6760 (2012) · source

  13. The United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime therefore rightly addresses the improvement of border management structures. Thirdly, when combating illicit trafficking and the movement of goods, funds and individuals, States face a number of challenges resulting from the overall goal of maintaining free global trade, on the one hand, and responding to safety and security needs on the other. For example, long borders require high numbers of personnel and highly developed risk assessments. Border protection needs qualified and well-equipped personnel. It is in the nature of illicit trafficking and movement to seek to overcome existing border- protection mechanisms. Therefore, reliable and sustainable organizations are necessary that, besides many other challenges, are resistant to corruption.

    2012-04-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6760 (2012) · source

  14. We would also like to stress that streamlining should not lead to decreasing the efficient implementation of sanctions in any way. On the contrary, we see further improvement in the implementation of sanctions as an essential contribution to securing borders. Secondly, illicit trafficking and movement of goods, funds and individuals do not necessarily constitute a threat to international peace and security. In many cases they are adequately dealt with by national law enforcement authorities. However, illicit trafficking and movement can have an impact on national and international security when issues such as terrorism or arms proliferation are at stake. Organized crime, drug traffickers and traffickers in human beings obviously also benefit from inadequately managed borders.

    2012-04-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6760 (2012) · source

  15. Interconnectedness and the free legal movement of goods and people are things to aspire to, not to condemn. However, they need to be balanced with effectively fighting some very real threats posed by illicit transfers, which can be exacerbated by poorly managed borders. We would therefore commend an assessment of United Nations capacities as an essential step towards identifying possible fields of overlap and room for improvement. We believe that the Secretary- General would be well placed to undertake such a task. I would like to make a few brief observations. First, we should bear in mind that there is a limit to streamlining. Nuclear materials, weapons, dual-use goods, drugs and people crossing borders each require different approaches and means of cooperation.

    2012-04-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6760 (2012) · source

  16. We welcome the initiative of the United States to streamline United Nations action on illicit trafficking and movement of persons and goods in areas where there is overlap, and we thank the Secretary-General for his briefing. We agree that there is a need to discuss efficient structures for assisting States in dealing with widespread illicit cross- border trafficking and movement of goods, funds and individuals, which can pose or exacerbate threats to peace and security. In that regard, we would like to stress that the Council has already repeatedly addressed threats to international peace and security posed by cross-cutting issues such as drug trafficking, organized crime and human trafficking. In our view, it is important to bear in mind that open borders in themselves should not be seen as threats.

    2012-04-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6760 (2012) · source

  17. Meanwhile, the authorities in Damascus continue their attacks on the population, they continue to shell population centres with artillery and they have not withdrawn their troops and tanks to their barracks. Today, new reports about attacks in Hama are coming in. Other forms of violence continue unabated. Until now, humanitarian assistance has not reached the areas affected by the fighting. The freedom of association and the right to demonstrate peacefully are not guaranteed. Trials before military courts against civilians for having exercised their right of expression are continuing. Germany insists on the full implementation of Mr. Kofi Annan's six points without delay. We will evaluate carefully the situation on the ground. We look forward to the assessments to be provided by the Secretary-General and the Joint Special Envoy.

    2012-04-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6757 (2012) · source

  18. Stabilizing the fiscal situation of the Palestinian Authority is key to preserving an important achievement of Palestinian State-building, including in the area of security. As a major donor, Germany fully expects Israel to live up to its obligations. Allow me now to say a few words on Syria. The unanimous adoption of resolution 2043 (2012), establishing the United Nations Supervision Mission in Syria, was an important, far-reaching step. The deployment of observers under the right conditions could positively influence dynamics on the ground. At the same time, we must be aware of the risks that the Mission faces. It is important that the observers have the necessary security and that they can operate freely and in the right conditions to effectively implement their mandate.

    2012-04-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6757 (2012) · source

  19. The Israeli Government should leave no room for doubt as to its full commitment to negotiations and to reaching a just and fair solution to the conflict. As pointed out by the Quartet, the social and economic development of Area C is of critical importance for the viability of a future Palestinian State. We call on both sides to cooperate in order to ensure overall progress and development in Area C, including transparent procedures for planning and building, consistent with Israel's obligations under humanitarian law. Finally, Germany welcomes efforts by the parties to resolve outstanding issues related to tax and customs revenue collection and urges their conclusion as soon as possible.

    2012-04-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6757 (2012) · source

  20. We therefore took positive note of the fact that no new settlement announcements or tenders were published during the Amman talks. However, we deplore the recent publication of tenders for more than 1,000 housing units in East Jerusalem and the West Bank, plans to establish a new settlement in East Jerusalem and recent plans to retroactively approve outposts that were erected in contravention of Israeli law. Such approval would amount to the establishment of new settlements in the West Bank. Our position has not changed. All settlements are illegal under international law and constitute an obstacle to peace. We call on the Israeli Government to cease all settlement activities in order to preserve the possibility of a two-State solution.

    2012-04-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6757 (2012) · source

  21. Instead of looking for pretexts or excuses to evade negotiations, both parties should look for what is needed to bring about the right context of mutual trust for a resumption of direct talks. The recently initiated exchange of letters should be used in a constructive way by both sides as an opportunity to return to meaningful talks. However, we are increasingly concerned about the physical viability of a two-State solution. Continued settlement activity threatens to undermine the fundamental conditions of a future contiguous Palestinian State by creating facts on the ground that will make final status negotiations ever more difficult. A two-State solution is the best way to achieve lasting security for Israel.

    2012-04-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6757 (2012) · source

  22. Progress in solving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is therefore key. Israel and Palestine are both an integral part of the region. Both Israelis and Palestinians want to live in freedom, dignity and security. We understand the difficult and complex security situation in which Israel finds itself. We strongly condemn rocket attacks on Israel from Gaza and elsewhere. Germany recognizes Israel's right to protect its citizens against attacks. At the same time, we look to Israel to exercise that right judiciously. We firmly believe that lasting security and prosperity for Israelis and Palestinians, as well as for the wider region, can be achieved only by taking bold steps towards peace. In that vein, it is time to return to direct negotiations now. We call on both sides to make their actions meet their declared readiness to achieve peace.

    2012-04-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6757 (2012) · source

  23. I would like to thank Under-Secretary-General Lynn Pascoe for his briefing. Germany aligns itself with the statement to be delivered later on behalf of the European Union. Germany welcomes and supports the Quartet statement of 11 April (see SG/2182) in all its aspects. The statement expresses important expectations, and we call on both sides to heed the Quartet's calls. There must be an effective follow-up on the issues mentioned in the statement - first and foremost by the parties but of course also by the Quartet itself. The Arab Spring has fundamentally changed the Arab world, with deep implications on how the rest of the world interacts with the peoples of the region. It is the result of a yearning for individual freedom, political participation and personal well-being. Those ambitions can be fulfilled only in peace and security.

    2012-04-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6757 (2012) · source

  24. No substantive progress has been achieved on humanitarian access to those in need, or on increasing the capacity of the humanitarian organizations on the ground. Clearly, the elements of the six-point plan are all closely interlinked. We have today made an important step on one of the six elements. Others need to follow with the goal of enabling, as quickly as possible, a political transition process towards a democratic and pluralistic system. In our view, accountability for the crimes committed must be a central element of the transition process. We have repeatedly stressed that there cannot be a return to the status quo ante. In conclusion, I would like to applaud Secretary- General Ban Ki-moon for his strong leadership, and to reiterate our full support to the efforts of Joint Special Envoy Annan and his team.

    2012-04-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6756 (2012) · source

  25. The observers may contribute to solidifying a cessation of armed violence, but they cannot substitute for a political solution. The deployment of observers is only one, albeit crucial, element of the six-point plan by the Joint Special Envoy. We therefore welcome the fact that UNSMIS will comprise civilian personnel with relevant expertise, such as on human rights and gender, to monitor and support the implementation of the other aspects of the six-point plan. Here, too, urgent action is required by Damascus. As stated by the Secretary-General, actions on the ground must be consistent with stated commitments to carry out the six-point plan. For instance, the status and circumstances of thousands of detainees remains unclear and there are reports of significant abuses.

    2012-04-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6756 (2012) · source

  26. The new United Nations Mission must not, under any circumstances, become a pawn in tactical and political games. We have made every effort to ensure that resolution 2043 (212) adequately reflects those concerns. It is now for the Syrian authorities to prove that they live up to their responsibilities. If they do not do so the Security Council has made it clear that it will consider further steps. We must remain vigilant. Too many commitments made by Damascus in the past have not been kept. We have therefore asked the Secretary-General to carefully assess the conditions on the ground before deploying personnel. We have also asked him to report immediately and in short intervals on any obstruction of the Mission. It will be our task to act appropriately.

    2012-04-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6756 (2012) · source

  27. The authorities in Damascus continue their attacks on the population, they continue to shell the city of Homs with artillery and they have not withdrawn their troops and tanks to their barracks. Other forms of violence continue unabated, such as arbitrary detention, torture, abduction, sexual violence and violence against children, women and minorities. The Syrian Government continues to play for time, despite its own commitment made to the Joint Special Envoy and the repeated demands made by the Security Council for the immediate and full implementation of the six-point plan. Our work is not done with the adoption of today's resolution. To the contrary, our work has only begun. We must now ensure that the observers have the necessary security and can operate freely and in the right conditions to effectively implement their mandate.

    2012-04-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6756 (2012) · source

  28. Today's unanimous authorization of the United Nations Supervision Mission in Syria (UNSMIS) is an important, far- reaching step. We supported resolution 2043 (2012) because we stand entirely behind the efforts of Joint Special Envoy Kofi Annan to achieve a sustainable cessation of violence and to facilitate a political transition process in Syria. We supported the resolution 3 because we share the assessment made by Mr. Annan and the Secretary-General that the deployment of observers under the right conditions could positively influence dynamics on the ground. At the same time, we must all be aware that the decision taken today is not without risks. Clearly, the cessation of armed violence is incomplete.

    2012-04-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6756 (2012) · source

  29. My Minister emphasized that we must now focus our efforts on civilian uses. They, too, pose a risk, especially with regard to the threat of a dirty bomb. Almost every country in the world has radioactive sources for civilian purposes. Those are often indispensable in medicine, research and industry. We must, however, act to prevent their misuse and make sure that we have put in place the best possible security measures to safeguard nuclear materials. Let me conclude by stressing the importance of nuclear disarmament, non-proliferation and security. Disarmament does not endanger our security, it increases it. So do non-proliferation and securing nuclear and radioactive materials. Those are the three pillars for greater global security and stable peace around the world. Let us continue to work together towards that end.

    2012-04-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6753 (2012) · source

  30. To demonstrate our support, Germany and the United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs are organizing a conference in Wiesbaden, to take place next week. At that conference, the Committee will seek direct interaction with relevant industries and industry groups on ways to jointly facilitate the implementation of resolution 1540 (2004). Nuclear security is a precondition for nuclear non-proliferation. Securing nuclear material is a common global challenge. In an age marked by globalization and international terrorism, a lack of security in just one of our countries poses a serious threat to all of us. A chain is only as strong as its weakest link. Following the successful 2010 Nuclear Security Summit in Washington, DC, on the protection of weapons-grade materials, we welcome the Seoul Nuclear Security Summit, held less than a month ago.

    2012-04-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6753 (2012) · source

  31. We welcome that the Council, which is tasked to deal with the maintenance of international peace and security, has seized the opportunity today to deal with this sensitive issue of the utmost importance. Of all of the non-proliferation initiatives that Germany is supporting, one deserves particular attention, in particular from the New York perspective. Under the wise leadership of my South African colleague, Ambassador Sangqu, the Committee established pursuant to resolution 1540 (2004) helps States to prevent weapons of mass destruction and their means of delivery from being proliferated to non-State actors. We welcome the 10-year extension of the mandate of that important Committee.

    2012-04-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6753 (2012) · source

  32. As further provocations cannot be ruled out, the international community must remain firm and united with regard to the Democratic People's Republic of Korea: no more nuclear tests, no launches using ballistic missile technology, a retraction of the announcement of withdrawal from the NPT, the abandonment of existing nuclear programmes, and a swift return to International Atomic Energy Agency safeguards. We will stay the course and remain firm in our efforts to leave no room for doubt that all countries must be held accountable for their obligations under the NPT. Both the fight against terrorism and the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction lie at the very heart of Germany's foreign and security policy. If the two were to merge, we would all be confronted with the most dangerous and devastating situation of our globalized world.

    2012-04-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6753 (2012) · source

  33. Our efforts in the framework of the E3+3 are aimed at facilitating a sustained and intensive process of serious dialogue. That dialogue must lead, in a short time, to concrete confidence-building measures based on reciprocity. We do not want talks for the sake of talks. We have to ensure that Iran meets all obligations, while fully respecting Iran's right to the peaceful use of nuclear energy. We are convinced that the measures taken played an essential role in moving Iran back to the negotiation table, so we must maintain the pressure. On North Korea, the Security Council clearly stated, just a few days ago (see S/2012/PRST/13), that the recent launch using ballistic missile technology constituted a serious violation of its relevant resolutions.

    2012-04-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6753 (2012) · source

  34. At the same time, in order to make substantial disarmament possible, we need an effective non-proliferation regime. We therefore cannot turn a blind eye to the ongoing proliferation crises. They threaten the very foundation of the global non-proliferation regime, in particular the Non-Proliferation Treaty. They also endanger regional stability. We are directly involved in the efforts with regard to the Iranian nuclear programme. Germany remains engaged in finding negotiated and sustainable solutions to the outstanding questions. We strongly advocate negotiations and dialogue to find a long-term comprehensive solution that restores international confidence in the exclusively peaceful nature of Iran's nuclear programme. The last meeting with Iran in Istanbul opened prospects for a new negotiation process.

    2012-04-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6753 (2012) · source

  35. We also promote accession to the Non-Proliferation Treaty with a view to its universalization. Likewise, we hope for an early entry into force of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT) and urge the eight remaining annex 2 States to sign and ratify the CTBT. We see a fissile material cut-off treaty as the next crucial step towards achieving the ambitious goal of a world free of nuclear weapons. We remain entirely engaged in supporting an early start of the negotiations. In that context, Germany wishes to see a Conference on Disarmament in Geneva that is working effectively. Germany sees nuclear non-proliferation and disarmament as mutually reinforcing processes - or, as we say, two sides of the same coin - based on our firm conviction that progress in disarmament can contribute to diminishing proliferation risks.

    2012-04-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6753 (2012) · source

  36. In that resolution, the Council expressed its commitment to creating the conditions for a world without nuclear weapons. My Government actively supports the vision presented by President Obama in his 2009 Prague speech of "a world without nuclear weapons". The entry into force of the New START agreement between the United States and the Russian Federation was a first step in the right direction. More steps towards that long-term goal are necessary. Together with partners in the lO-country Non-Proliferation and Disarmament Initiative, Germany has made concrete proposals to promote the implementation of the key elements of the Action Plan adopted by the NPT Review Conference in 2010. It is our firm belief that non-proliferation and disarmament are joint security interests of all nations and have to be pursued simultaneously.

    2012-04-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6753 (2012) · source

  37. That outcome was extremely important at a time when the global non-proliferation regime had been confronted with serious proliferation challenges. The 2010 Action Plan sets a broad agenda. It spells out a commitment by the nuclear-weapon States to make further efforts to advance the disarmament of all types of nuclear weapons, with the final objective of a world free of nuclear weapons. Along the same lines, I should like to express my appreciation to the United States presidency, which has organized today's important briefing at the Security Council. We welcome the opportunity to take stock of the achievements made during almost three years since the historic Security Council summit (see S/PV.6191) that adopted resolution 1887 (2009).

    2012-04-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6753 (2012) · source

  38. At the outset, I would like to thank the Secretary-General for his briefing on nuclear non-proliferation, disarmament and security. I would also like to thank him for his leadership in that important area over the years. Non-proliferation, disarmament and arms control play a key role in Germany's foreign and security policy. We are therefore pleased that those topics are high on the international agenda again. We see the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) as the cornerstone of the international nuclear non-proliferation regime. We believe that the NPT is in need of constant strengthening. In 2010, NPT States parties reaffirmed their commitment to the Treaty in all its aspects. The parties adopted a comprehensive Action Plan covering all three pillars of the Treaty.

    2012-04-19 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6753 (2012) · source

  39. Close and early linkage with the political transition process as foreseen in the six-point proposal by Mr. Annan is required, not least as an eventual exit option for the observers. One more thing: accountability for the crimes committed must be a central element of the transition process. There cannot be a return to the status quo ante. In conclusion, I would like to reiterate our full support for the laudable efforts of Joint Special Envoy Kofi Annan and his team.

    2012-04-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6751 (2012) · source

  40. We look forward to the report of the Secretary-General on a potential observer mission next. But one thing is clear: the conditions for the deployment of observers must be in place. The Syrian Government must ensure that the advance team and the possible follow-on mission can freely and effectively implement their mandate. We know of too many other examples where United Nations missions have become a pawn in tactical games. We must not let that happen again. The credibility of the Security Council is at stake. We must send a clear message that any such impediments would come at a high price. 3 The deployment of an observer mission should also not lead to a mere freezing of the situation. A United Nations mission on the ground cannot serve as a substitute for the lack of will by the parties.

    2012-04-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6751 (2012) · source

  41. Damascus has yet to make the fundamental change of course demanded by Kofi Annan to enable a durable cessation of violence in all its forms. Damascus has to halt military forward movements and return troops and heavy weapons to their barracks. Only when those steps are fully implemented will the conditions for a sustainable cessation of violence exist. Equally important, all other forms of violence and human rights violations - such as arbitrary detention, torture, abduction, sexual violence and violence against children - must end immediately. We applaud the fact that the opposition groups have committed to a cessation of fighting despite having been shelled by Government forces until the very last moment. The swift deployment of the advance observer team will be an important element for the sustainable cessation of violence.

    2012-04-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6751 (2012) · source

  42. This is the first Security Council resolution on Syria since the violent repression by the Syrian security forces started. We welcome the unity of the Council today. It comes deplorably late but, hopefully, not too late. Thanks to the commendable efforts of Joint Special Envoy Kofi Annan, the cessation of fighting has by and large held in Syria. However, as we speak, reports are coming in of renewed attacks by the Syrian security forces. We must therefore remain vigilant. Too many commitments made by Damascus in the past have not been kept. We must not tolerate further brinksmanship. The time for delaying tactics is definitely over. It is clear that the Syrian Government has yet to fully comply with the commitments made to the Joint Special Envoy and as demanded by the Security Council.

    2012-04-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6751 (2012) · source

  43. At its core lies the strong consensus between the Government of Afghanistan and the United Nations about the invaluable contribution of the United Nations to a secure, strong and democratic future for Afghanistan. To conclude, Germany would like to emphasize particularly the constructive spirit of all Council members in the mandate negotiations and to once more thank its Afghan partners for their close cooperation and friendship.

    2012-03-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6735 (2012) · source

  44. That also holds true for the continued improvements in the electoral process, to which the Afghan Government is firmly committed. Germany also shares the opinion of the Secretary- General that the protection, promotion and fulfilment of the human rights of all Afghans should become increasingly central to UNAMA's mandate. The draft mandate includes important provisions in that regard, with a view of the role of women and girls in political processes and the implication of those processes for human rights, a subject on which the Council puts special emphasis this year. The new mandate represents a true milestone in the relationship between the United Nations and Afghanistan. It has been customized according to both the imperatives of the transition process and the comparative advantages of the United Nations.

    2012-03-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6735 (2012) · source

  45. The other important component informing the mandate renewal is obviously the outcome of the comprehensive review contained in the observations section of the report (S/2012/l33) of the Secretary- General of 5 March. Germany fully supports the recommendations made therein. While consultations are ongoing, let me inform participants about the Council's clear consensus that the United Nations good offices in support of the Afghan-led and Afghan-owned processes should remain the essence of the United Nations political mandate. That includes, increasingly, the important field of regional cooperation. In that context, Germany shares the view of the Secretary- General that the United Nations has a lot to contribute to the inclusiveness of the political process and in support of Afghan institutions.

    2012-03-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6735 (2012) · source

  46. Thirdly, UNAMA's renewed mandate was informed by important developments over the past year, namely, the beginning of transition; important progress on regional cooperation at the Istanbul Conference; the strategic decision at the Bonn Conference to enter into firm, mutual commitments and to chart out an internationally supported decade of transformation; increased momentum towards a political process and the decision of the Council to split the sanctions regime established pursuant to resolution 1267 (1999). All of these developments have far-reaching ramifications that the Council will reflect in the renewed UNAMA mandate. I am very pleased to report the continued, very high degree of consensus in the Council regarding the UNAMA mandate, which exemplifies the continued importance that the Council attaches to the situation in Afghanistan.

    2012-03-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6735 (2012) · source

  47. The review was well received because it took concerns about Afghan leadership and ownership very seriously and because, at the same time, it carefully analysed questions with regard to the United Nations own coherence. The review concluded that the emphasis of international support must be increasingly on enabling and strengthening the role of Afghan institutions in performing their mandated services for the Afghan people.

    2012-03-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6735 (2012) · source

  48. Secondly, I would like to thank the Secretary- General for the comprehensive review of UNAMA's mandated activities and of the United Nations support undertaken in response to the request by the Council in last year's UNAMA mandate resolution. Germany's particular appreciation goes to the review team comprising representatives from the United Nations Department of Political Affairs, the United Nations Department of Peacekeeping Operations, the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, the United Nations Development Programme and the United Nations Department of Safety and Security, as well as to all those in and outside the United Nations system who have contributed to the review.

    2012-03-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6735 (2012) · source

  49. While the international community will be extending additional, much-needed tangible and predictable support for the Afghan Government's development efforts, we note the equally high expectations on the part of the international community as to the continued progress on the Afghan side, including in areas such as governance, democracy and human rights. In view of the transition calendar, Germany wishes to reiterate its position that fiscal sustainability must increasingly be at the centre of our joint efforts in Afghanistan. Germany shares the view of the Secretary-General that growth-oriented policies must be a high priority. At the same time, the Afghan Government's leadership will be essential in designing and sequencing its national priority programmes.

    2012-03-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6735 (2012) · source

  50. Today, I would like to touch upon three points, namely, follow-up to the international Afghanistan Conference in Bonn, the review process undertaken by the Secretary-General at the Security Council's request in last year's UNAMA mandate and the upcoming UNAMA mandate renewal. I would first like to refer to the follow-up to the Bonn Conference, in line with the strategic consensus reached between the international community and the Afghan Government to affirm our mutual commitments with regard to the transition process and the transformation in the following decade - until 2024 - all of which now requires further spelling out in concrete terms. The upcoming summit and 12-26920 conferences, especially those in Chicago and Tokyo, will be opportunities in that regard.

    2012-03-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6735 (2012) · source