YouSaid · the spoken record

Yamamoto

lines on the record: 197
first: 1993-09-15
most recent: 2019-12-16
sittings or episodes: 18
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

“I am pleased to report, on today's International Women's Day, that the Afghan Cabinet has adopted the necessary amendment to the penal code to ensure that all provisions of the Elimination of Violence against Women law continue to apply, giving Afghan women continuing legal protection from violence. Women are also disproportionately affected by the conflict. More than 1,200 women were killed or injured last year, mostly from ground fighting and suicide attacks. I am particularly concerned by the increase in civilian casualties caused by the Islamic State in Khorasan Province, which has been expanding its geographical spread beyond the hitherto stronghold of eastern Afghanistan into northern Afghanistan. We are monitoring those developments very carefully in the light ofpotentially destabilizing effects in the north and beyond.”
2018-03-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8199 (2018) · source
“Afghan voters will need to understand the importance for them to cast their votes, even though they may have serious concerns about the electoral system because of past experiences. The United Nations is working with the Commission to ensure women's participation in all stages of the elections - as candidates, campaigners and voters. The new penal code, which entered into force on 14 February, reinforces Afghanistan's compliance with international human rights and criminal justice standards and is a milestone in the country's criminal justice reform. We wholeheartedly welcome its coming into force. UNAMA played a valuable role in drafting the code.”
2018-03-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8199 (2018) · source
“In one of his first statements, the Chairperson of the Commission acknowledged that elections would most probably have to be delayed beyond the current date of July 2018 but that they could still be held this year as long as preparations are not delayed and voter registration begins on schedule in April. The Independent Election Commission must also concentrate on areas where it can deliver and seek the assistance of other agencies of the Government in areas that need to be accelerated, such as the recruitment of voter registration staff. The Afghanistan Central Civil Registration Authority must now do all it can to enable eligible Afghan citizens to register to vote by issuing citizen identity cards, known in Afghanistan as tazkeras, to the millions of people who do not possess them. Public outreach is important.”
2018-03-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8199 (2018) · source
“The prolonged political impasse over the governorship of BaIkh should be resolved swiftly through a negotiated solution. It must not undermine the authority of the National Unity Government or hinder progress on the delivery of key Government functions. The upcoming elections provide a further opportunity to ensure that unity and stability prevail and that all groups are represented. When the members of the Council visited Afghanistan in January, they delivered a clear and strong message that parliamentary elections must be held in 2018 and presidential elections in 2019. Since then, there has been accelerated progress on preparations for voter registration. The Independent Election Commission, under its new Chairperson, is working hard on electoral preparations, but the timelines remain tight.”
2018-03-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8199 (2018) · source
“The Taliban's argument that they will not talk to the Afghan Government because the conflict is not between Afghan parties misrepresents the reality that tens of thousands of Afghan people are killed and maimed every year in direct confrontations between the Taliban and the Government forces. Making peace and reaching out to opponents requires resolve, courage and, above all, national unity. Looking at recent developments in domestic political, I am compelled to express my concern about some actions that could deepen divisions in society. Political leaders need to place the national interest above a partisan agenda. National unity provides the only basis for the continuation of international support to Afghanistan and for the implementation of effective reforms. Political stability also requires inclusivity.”
2018-03-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8199 (2018) · source
“A week ago, Afghanistan successfully hosted the second conference of the Kabul Process for peace and security. All conference participants endorsed the call for direct talks between the Government and the Taliban without preconditions. All relevant parties, including the Taliban, agree that a negotiated political settlement is the way to bring an end to the conflict. President Ashraf Ghani offered peace to the Taliban without preconditions and laid out a path for negotiations, with a series of concrete proposals, to create a space for the opening of talks. The offer of negotiations is on the table. It is now incumbent upon the Taliban to come forward with an offer of their own and to start direct talks with the Government in order to put an end to the suffering of the Afghan people.”
2018-03-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8199 (2018) · source
“Mr. Yamamoto: I would like to thank you, Madam President, for scheduling this meeting on Afghanistan on International Women's Day. I wish to express my appreciation for Minister Kaag's initiative to lead an all-women delegation today and to encourage other members to do the same. I am also very pleased that the Afghan delegation is joined today by Ms. Sarabi and Ms. Safi. They are two women with distinguished careers in working for the advancement of peace in Afghanistan. The members of the Council witnessed for themselves the importance of women's rights and women's empowerment during their recent visit to Kabul. I am sure that they were deeply impressed, as I am, by the resilience of Afghan women, Whose strength holds the fabric of society together. I will touch on the women, peace and security agenda throughout my briefing.”
2018-03-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8199 (2018) · source
“The United Nations is ready to do whatever it can, from raising the importance of the issue, as I have tried to do today, to using good offices for mediation, should that be requested. I truly hope that empathy for the ongoing suffering of millions of Afghans will move us all to make the efforts necessary to achieve peace and realize the important opportunities that lie beyond a much- needed peace agreement.”
2017-12-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8147 (2017) · source
“The achievements in regional cooperation are encouraging, but the main dividends of regional cooperation cannot be achieved until there is peace and stability in Afghanistan. I do not believe that this sequence can be reversed. In the coming months, there must be significant progress on election preparations, real attempts to reduce violence and a transition towards a credible peace process. Because ofthe cyclical nature of the conflict, opportunities that are missed in the next three months will, in all likelihood, be missed for the next year. Before closing my remarks, we request members of the Council to lend their political and financial support to the implementation of the humanitarian response plan, which addresses 3.3 million people who are in need of such assistance. We see the need to focus on seeking peace.”
2017-12-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8147 (2017) · source
“The past year has seen important progress on infrastructure development, with an eye to connecting Afghanistan to Europe through the Caspian Sea and the Caucasus to the Arabian Sea. Such developments demonstrate how Afghanistan's relationships with its neighbours present opportunities for prosperity. But there are also obstacles. I am particularly concerned about recent reports of increased military activities between Afghanistan and Pakistan. UNAMA has recorded some of the suffering caused by such activities on local residents, including civilian casualties, closures of education facilities and population displacement. I call on the Governments of Afghanistan and Pakistan to find ways of collaborating more effectively to address that issue, which affects the populations of both countries.”
2017-12-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8147 (2017) · source
“If the vision of Afghan economic development is to succeed, the Afghan National Peace and Development Framework must be supported. The entire United Nations family is engaged in a continuing dialogue with the President on better aligning the work of the United Nations to support the Framework, providing value for money and demonstrating impact. The Government's goal is to reduce reliance on aid and secure its own tax base. That will require intense efforts to stimulate the private sector, reduce corruption and red tape, and build infrastructure that allows Afghanistan to benefit from its central geographic location. Once investment mechanisms and infrastructure are in place, Afghanistan's mineral wealth can be exploited. Achieving that goal is possible.”
2017-12-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8147 (2017) · source
“We often overlook the impact of Afghanistan's economy on its society and the conflict. The significant reduction of the international military presence in 2014 led to a collapse in economic growth, from 10 per cent to minus 2 per cent. This year, Afghanistan is expected to record positive growth for the second year, but not enough to absorb the 400,000 young Afghans who annually seek tojoin the labour force. At the same time, the illicit economy is expanding, as demonstrated by the massive increase in opium production recorded by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime in 2017. Narcotics trades are known to be a source of funds for insurgencies. We must pay more focused attention to those issues and reinforce our efforts.”
2017-12-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8147 (2017) · source
“However, we remain concerned by the continued indiscriminate use of improvised explosive devices by anti-Government elements, as well as civilian casualties from air strikes by pro- Government forces. All in all, the number of civilian casualties remain at terribly high levels. I continue to receive disturbing reports of child recruitment by armed groups, mainly Da'esh and the Taliban. I urge the parties to immediately cease this unlawful practice. Afghanistan's election to the Human Rights Council provides an opportunity for all national institutions, including the military, to deliver on public pledges to comply with its international legal obligations. As an initial step, I encourage the Government to ratify the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture and to withdraw its reservations to the Convention.”
2017-12-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8147 (2017) · source
“The Afghan Government needs to have a thorough security plan for this democratic exercise. The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) will continue its efforts to advance women's political participation. We recently convened 13 dialogues across the country in which women described in often poignant terms how their participation as voters and candidates was obstructed by corruption, conflict and conservative cultural norms. Based upon these experiences, women offered practical recommendations to bolster women's strong participation in the 2018 elections and beyond. Despite an intense fighting season, recent efforts by the Afghan security forces to protect civilians have resulted in reductions in the number of civilian deaths and injuries caused by those forces during ground engagements.”
2017-12-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8147 (2017) · source
“On a positive note, on 6 December the Commission finally announced the modalities that it will use to conduct voter registration. If implemented as planned, the process will result for the first time in a single, complete voter register, as well as polling-station-based voter lists. This will significantly cut down on fraud by reducing the number of extra ballots that are distributed. The United Nations technical support team has been working closely with the Commission on the operational concept for voter registration and will assist the Commission in its implementation, though this is ultimately a process that must be owned and led by Afghan institutions. I should also like to underline security as a defining factor enabling credible and inclusive elections.”
2017-12-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8147 (2017) · source
“Regional efforts for peace also need to be consolidated. That is why the Afghan Government's presentation to the Kabul Process conference is of such great importance. Another crucial issue is the holding of parliamentary elections next year, followed by presidential elections in April 2019. The holding of timely, credible and accepted elections is indispensable to maintaining the constitutional order and trust in the representative system of government. There has been, to be frank, insufficient progress on electoral preparations. The lack of progress, and intense criticism from electoral stakeholders, led the Independent Election Commission to vote to remove its Chairman. The Commission needs to demonstrably advance on electoral preparations to regain its credibility.”
2017-12-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8147 (2017) · source
“At the meeting, the Government of Afghanistan is expected to present its strategic concept for reaching a political settlement with the armed opposition and seek the support of the international community. This chance must not be missed. The Government and the international partners must focus on how we can reduce the levels of violence next year. We must also seek commencement of a structured dialogue for peace. I once again call on the Taliban to express a clear willingness to begin negotiations towards a political settlement and to start the initial dialogue. I welcome the increased consultations among the countries in the region about securing peace in Afghanistan. Countries in the region recognize that they have a common stake in the future of Afghanistan. Any regional consensus, however, must be built around a clear policy.”
2017-12-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8147 (2017) · source
“Mr. Yamamoto: As this calendar year closes, we are still left to tackle the issue that concerns us most in Afghanistan: a convincing peace process to end the 40 years of conflict, which have left 39 per cent of the population under the poverty line, including 3.3 million in acute need of humanitarian aid. One year ago in the Council, I called upon all Afghans to come together and find ways to build their own joint future. I also called upon each country of the region to help create an environment conducive to peace in Afghanistan and the region. We must use the upcoming winter months, when conflict levels tend to decrease, to advance on this issue before the cycle of violence is renewed next spring. How can this be done? The Kabul Process meeting planned for 1 February offers an opportunity.”
2017-12-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8147 (2017) · source
“I am confident that UNAMA will remain well positioned to deliver on its strategic tasks and serve the needs of the Afghan people. In closing, I emphasize how important it is for Afghan leaders to deliver and demonstrate concrete achievements. Progress must be made in less than four years to make the best use of the Warsaw and Brussels commitments. Afghanistan must demonstrate to its donors that it has taken not just steps, but strides towards self-sufficiency. It is my hope that Afghanistan will soon not be perceived as a source of global security threats, but as a destination for trade and investment.”
2017-09-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8055 (2017) · source
“Furthermore, the entire United Nations family in Afghanistan, as requested by President Ghani, is developing an innovative strategy to deliver its development assistance as one and in full alignment with the Government's priorities. President Ghani welcomed our proposal, and we are now working ever more closely with his Office and key parts of the Government to put things into place swiftly. The recommendations of the strategic review will entail significant cuts to the Mission. We will implement our mandate with greater focus and with a streamlined structure. In the past two months, I have visited 8 of our 12 field offices and met Government officials, civil society and United Nations staff. These visits made it clear that the presence of the United Nations is seen as a great benefit to Afghanistan and its people.”
2017-09-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8055 (2017) · source
“On a positive note, I welcome the Government's formal endorsement of the national policy on civilian casualty prevention and mitigation. I now call on the Government to implement the national policy through a structured action plan. I am encouraged by Afghanistan's candidacy for the Human Rights Council, and hope that it will be used to consolidate human rights progress in Afghanistan. Allow me to turn to the Secretary-General's strategic review of UNAMA, carried out at the request of the Security Council. That undertaking provided us with a renewed opportunity to think more profoundly about our role, especially the centrality of the search for peace. We look forward to the Security Council's review of the Secretary-General's recommendations.”
2017-09-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8055 (2017) · source
“Opportunities will be lost, with the price paid in thousands of Afghan lives and at tremendous financial cost. I appeal to the countries of the region to conduct a profound reassessment of their strategic interest and to renew work towards a viable peace process, leading to an Afghan-owned solution to the conflict. If requested, the United Nations stands ready to assist all parties in achieving that goal. Another potential cost ofthe conflict is backsliding on recent human rights gains. Violence against women and girls remains widespread. The criminalization of acts of violence against women, included in the legislative decree, remains to be approved by Parliament. The ongoing involvement of children in armed conflict remains a major problem.”
2017-09-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8055 (2017) · source
“We are all aware that preparations leading to a peace process are complex and require patience and time. Such efforts must be pragmatic and flexible, yet principled so as to ensure an inclusive political process to define the country's future. That can occur only when all relevant parties to the conflict communicate with each other to identify the contours of a mutual settlement. On that basis, confidence can be built and a process can be structured. The process must allow for the strategic interests of the countries of the region to be taken into consideration and built on a regional consensus. I am convinced that a political settlement is possible. We should not let another fighting season begin without progress towards substantive negotiations.”
2017-09-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8055 (2017) · source
“At the current rate of death due to conflict, tens of thousands more Afghans will have been killed by 2020. In the midst of this human tragedy, all sides acknowledge that there is no military solution to the conflict. The costs, including the human cost of the ongoing conflict, raise the urgency of the peace process. Frankly, the efforts of the past few years have led to little progress. We are, however, seeing renewed interest and efforts towards political engagements for peace. The announcement in August by the United States Administration of a continuing, conditions- based commitment to Afghanistan has removed some uncertainties. Some countries of the region and key countries are actively seeking to foster and promote regional engagements for peace.”
2017-09-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8055 (2017) · source
“The need to avoid that risk has been a constant element in the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan's (UNAMA) outreach to all political actors. The security situation continues to be a major concern. The Secretary-General's report (S/2017/783) describes the main security trends in some detail. With the persistence of the Islamic State, also known as Da'esh, in the east of the country, and some reports of new Da'esh activity in the north, as well as in Kabul itself, the situation has become more complex. The human cost of that violence is high, disproportionately impacting women and children. Current Afghan security planning foresees that Afghan forces will reach sufficient strength to reverse recent Taliban gains by 2020. The Taliban, meanwhile, continues to resist appeals to negotiate with the Afghan Government.”
2017-09-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8055 (2017) · source
“The international community must provide financial and technical support, but the IEC is in the lead and time is passing quickly. The announcement of the electoral date has prompted the creation of new political coalitions, some of which are highly critical of the Government. Due to the fact that democracies require responsible oppositions, that may be seen as a constructive development. Many of these groups are crossing ethnic lines in a way that we have not seen before and building national coalitions. A risk, however, is that some might orient their activities towards actions that destabilize the constitutional order, promote ethnic and geographical divisions, or seek to undermine the State.”
2017-09-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8055 (2017) · source
“It is imperative that we hold the elections according to the plan. Timely elections will enhance the credibility of the political system and institutions. Many stakeholders, however, remain skeptical that credible elections will be held on time. The IEC needs to further increase its public outreach to demonstrate greater transparency and greater urgency in its electoral preparations. Many Afghan politicians and citizens across the country have told me repeatedly that the country could not endure another election like that of 2014. The electoral commissioners and their staff have inherited a huge responsibility, but the elections are not the responsibility of the IEC alone. The independence of the electoral management bodies must be respected, and the Government must do everything possible to secure the elections.”
2017-09-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8055 (2017) · source
“I was encouraged, during the intensive preparations for the meeting, by the active engagement of all Afghan and international partners. International partners also need to demonstrate their clear commitment, and I very much count on the highest level of participation from Council members' respective capitals. There has also been progress on the organization of parliamentary and district council elections scheduled for next July. The Independent Election Commission (IEC) has completed its assessment of polling stations, reportedly reaching more than 90 per cent of districts. The next step will be voter registration. These two processes will lay the foundation for what will be the most important electoral reforms since 2001 - the establishment of polling station-specific voter lists and the completion of a viable voter registry.”
2017-09-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8055 (2017) · source
“The major effort has been led by the Anti-Corruption Justice Centre, which is increasingly tackling complex cases involving high- level officials. The Centre has completed 21 cases and 14 appeals, enabling it to put a dent in the long-standing problem of impunity for Government corruption. On 5 October, exactly one year after the Brussels Conference on Afghanistan, senior officials will convene in Kabul to review progress made on the Brussels commitments. In that meeting of senior officials, the Afghan Government will need to demonstrate to the donors, including their taxpayers, and to Afghan citizens that the reform and development programmes are translating into real improvements in the well-being of all Afghans.”
2017-09-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8055 (2017) · source
“Mr. Yamamoto: As we reach the third anniversary of the National Unity Government, I see progress, challenges that are still daunting, and new opportunities for political engagement for peace. First, I would like to focus on some areas where progress on key reforms has occurred. This has been achieved despite ongoing security challenges. If those reforms can be consolidated and sustained, they will significantly strengthen the foundation for a more self-reliant Afghan State. The good working relationship between President Ashraf Ghani and Chief Executive Abdullah Abdullah has greatly enabled the reform process. The efforts of the Government to address corruption have begun to bear results after many years during which the debilitating issue was ignored.”
2017-09-25 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8055 (2017) · source
“I have been tremendously proud of the entire Mission and country team for those efforts. I was honoured to welcome the Secretary-General to Afghanistan last week, where his visit clearly demonstrated his and the Organization's commitment to Afghanistan, solidarity with its people and perseverance in the pursuit of peace. We also look forward to the results of the strategic review that the Council has requested. We are hopeful and confident that it will ensure that we have the tools to continue to work for peace in Afghanistan. On the eve of the important Muslim holiday of Bid, I wish to reiterate my call for unity and to urge restraint, so that families and communities can enjoy a peaceful end of Ramadan.”
2017-06-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7980 (2017) · source
“Secondly, as I have repeatedly stated in this forum and elsewhere, a genuine peace process with the Taliban is essential and urgent. In the 6 June Kabul meeting, the need for a modus vivendi between Afghanistan and its neighbours was stressed. At the same time, I encourage the people of Afghanistan to begin an internal dialogue on the meaning of peace and reconciliation. The Government and the Taliban need to engage directly with each other to define a political solution. In that regard, the appointment of the new Chair of the High Peace Council is a welcome development, but it is only a first step towards the Council's revitalization and its new role in driving the peace process. UNAMA is doing all it can to help contain political tensions, using its long-standing relationships and experience.”
2017-06-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7980 (2017) · source
“First, in the domestic sphere, preparations must be accelerated for the next round of elections, both parliamentary and presidential. Decisions must be made regarding the use of technology and the role and modalities of international electoral assistance. Work must start on voter registration. The electoral calendar must be made clear. From my discussions with Afghan political actors, especially outside of Kabul, it is clear that the lack of clarity on those issues is a major component of the growing political mistrust. We understand that the Independent Election Commission will make an announcement as early as tomorrow regarding the date for parliamentary elections. I believe that announcement will contribute to allaying the political tensions I have referred to in this briefing.”
2017-06-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7980 (2017) · source
“UNAMA welcomes the Government's renewed commitment to ratify the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture and to take further steps to eliminate the torture and ill-treatment of detainees. Those efforts must be accelerated to increase accountability and public trust in the Government. The attack of 31 May and the events that followed should serve as a clarifying moment. We are at a point where we need to take conscious decisions to reverse negative trends and seek stability, or face far worse. The recent crisis has illustrated the dangers of pushing narrow interests, be they domestic or international, in Afghanistan's fragile context. There are two specific issues in particular that we must focus on.”
2017-06-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7980 (2017) · source
“Reforms that have begun to work in the Ministry of Defence are now being applied to the Ministry ofInterior. The Anti-Corruption Justice Centre is proving to be an effective instrument. With regard to human rights, UNAMA remains committed to provide credible data of the impact of the conflict of civilians, especially women and children. It continues to engage with all the main parties to the conflict to support them in taking measures to limit harm against civilians. UNAMA's report on the treatment of conflict detainees for the period 2015 and 2016 was published in April to coincide with the second periodic review of Afghanistan by the United Nations Committee against Torture.”
2017-06-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7980 (2017) · source
“As a result, economic growth can neither match population growth nor generate enough employment for the many young Afghans entering the labour market every year. Corruption undermines the legitimacy of the State. It prevents a real economy from emerging. It contributes to insecurity. Corruption is at the heart of the problem of impunity, which itself is at the heart of the ongoing human rights challenges. Afghans alone are not to blame, but the consequences of corruption disproportionately affect Afghanistan. In April, UNAMA issued its first comprehensive report on corruption in Afghanistan. I was gratified by the intensity of the public's response to the report. Afghans understand the effects of corruption and impunity because they face them every day. The National Unity Government has taken positive steps to tackle this problem by.”
2017-06-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7980 (2017) · source
“I welcome the Government's commitment to transparent, merit-based appointments and credible investigations into the events of 31 May, 2 and 3 June and 20 June, and other reforms in the Ministry of the Interior and the Ministry of Defence. Afghanistan faces numerous internal challenges in addition to fighting an insurgency that seems to be gaining ground. They include deep-rooted political tension, the difficulty of socially and economically reintegrating the thousands of Afghan refugees who return each day, an economy that is only very slowly recovering after the international drawdown in 2014, and pervasive corruption. The economy remains heavily dependent on development assistance. The private sector, as the biggest potential provider of employment, suffers from a lack of investor confidence and pervasive corruption.”
2017-06-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7980 (2017) · source
“The Afghan vision for peace is premised on the fact that a stable Afghanistan would lead to a stable and more prosperous region. Achieving that vision will require the strong determination of all the States concerned, particularly of the region and the neighbourhood. The Afghan Government requested at the Kabul conference that the international community address this issue in all its facets. The nexus of crime, corruption and terrorism eventually undermines all States and the State system, which is why States must unite to combat it. The proof of our commitment will be a stable Afghanistan. On the Afghan side, the recent series of security incidents has demonstrated the urgent need for reforms in the security sector.”
2017-06-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7980 (2017) · source
“The Government's ability to hold a high-level meeting of the Kabul process on regional peace and security in Kabul on 6 June, with the participation of 24 States and organizations, demonstrated its resilience and the determination of the international community to maintain its support for Afghanistan and the National Unity Government. In his opening speech President Ghani Ahmadzai stated, "We are gathered in this conference because the world community signed a promise that terrorism would not be tolerated, and today we are demanding that the world make good on this promise." In that regard, I welcome the General Assembly's endorsement of the Secretary-General's proposal to create a new office on counter-terrorism headed by an Under-Secretary-General.”
2017-06-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7980 (2017) · source
“It took more than 90 lives and injured approximately 500 people - all of whom were Afghans. While there were no serious international casualties, a number of diplomatic facilities, including several United Nations buildings, were badly damaged. Some Embassies have had to evacuate staff while their facilities are repaired. Despite those realities, it is imperative that the attack not be allowed to undermine international support for Afghanistan, including development and economic assistance. The international community must not be intimidated nor succumb to the terrorists.”
2017-06-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7980 (2017) · source
“The Government, on the other hand, claims that opposition groups block important reforms and stoke tensions by calling for the Government to be replaced. Each side accuses the other of acting against the national interests. It appears to me undeniable that those perceptions have contributed to the tensions that characterize today's political environment. The existence of opposition is natural in any political scene, but the amount of mistrust is growing, while some increasingly resort to uncompromising slogans and statements capable of fuelling further violent protests. Efforts at inclusiveness and building consensus for political stability are critical. The suicide bomb of 31 May exploded just outside the restricted diplomatic enclave in the middle of Kabul.”
2017-06-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7980 (2017) · source
“We are grateful for the subsequent acknowledgement from the Government and political leaders outside the Government that UNAMA's efforts contributed to calming the situation. I remain concerned, however, that, without changes in governance practices, we are likely to face future crises that might be more difficult to contain. What is the root of the problem? There have been indications, since last summer, that Afghanistan's broad political consensus is fraying. In recent months, a growing number of political factions, some of whom were formerly part of the National Unity Government as well as a younger generation of political forces, has begun to criticize and demand reforms be made to the Government. They argue that it is not sufficiently consultative or inclusive.”
2017-06-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7980 (2017) · source
“The political fault lines that emerged are increasingly ethnic-based, which is particularly worrying at a time when the Islamic State is attempting to provoke sectarian strife in the country through attacks against Shia Muslims. During the anti-Government demonstrations on 2 June, we at the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) conducted extensive outreach to leaders on all sides, particularly leaders of political movements who were considering joining the protests. We urged for restraint, warned of the negative consequences that the loss of control would entail for everyone and requested them to give time to allow their grievances to be addressed without violence. Coupled with the intensive efforts by the Government and members of the diplomatic community, the immediate risk of escalation was defused.”
2017-06-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7980 (2017) · source
“The events of the early morning of 20 June, when the Government's attempt to remove the final protesters resulted in violence, is a reminder of the need for caution, calm and unity. The most recent security and political crisis was sparked by a terrorist bombing in Kabul's centre on 31 May. That was followed by large street demonstrations protesting growing insecurity that turned violent, followed by a suicide attack at the funeral of one of those killed in the demonstrations. Chief Executive Abdullah, Foreign Minister Rabbani and other senior political officials were near the blasts at the funeral but were thankfully unhurt.”
2017-06-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7980 (2017) · source
“Mr. Yamamoto: The months since my most recent briefing (see S/PV.7896) have been unusually tense in Afghanistan. The deteriorating security situation has brought to the surface underlying political tensions. At the same time, the willingness of the Government to take steps towards peace was demonstrated by its successful holding in Kabul of a meeting on regional peace and security earlier this month, as well as the continuous implementation of the political agreement with the former insurgent group Hizb-i Islami (Gulbuddin). But without enhanced efforts by the National Unity Government to increase political inclusiveness, strengthen accountability and improve the Government's credibility, particularly in the security sector, we are likely to face more crises in an increasingly fragile environment.”
2017-06-21 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7980 (2017) · source
“The Government, neighbouring countries and other key Powers should reinforce the message that the Taliban can be a part of Afghanistan's future and its political and social fabric. Afghanistan's future must be placed above all considerations. An endless conflict and violence are simply not acceptable. We all need to make peace our new and absolute imperative. In close consultation with the Afghan Government, UNAMA stands ready to move the process forward and to help generate momentum for peace. Afghanistan's most important battle ahead is that for a lasting peace. UNAMA looks forward to the adoption of the renewed mandate by the Council. We wish to reassure you, Sir, of our commitment to the ever-more effective discharge of our mandate for the benefit of the people of Afghanistan.”
2017-03-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7896 (2017) · source
“They recognize the importance of establishing an environment conducive to peace and regional stability. For these reasons, I urge the countries concerned, particularly in the neighbourhood, to support the Afghan Government's interest in an intensified regional peace effort. UNAMA is working closely with the Afghan Government for that purpose. In that regard, I am deeply troubled by the heightened tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan, and call for the reduction of tensions through dialogue. The future of Afghanistan has to be built through an Afghan-owned and Afghan-led process for all Afghans. The path of peace must be pursued through negotiations and not through violence. The Taliban should enter peace talks without preconditions. I call on all relevant actors to exercise their influence to that end.”
2017-03-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7896 (2017) · source
“These trends demand a major humanitarian response in the short term. The Government has shown strong leadership in developing plans for the long-term integration of the displaced and returnees, but sustained international assistance is essential. There clearly can be no military solution in Afghanistan. It must be acknowledged that a prolonged conflict will lead only to further misery for the Afghan people and undermine the very foundations for economic growth and development. Since my last briefing (see S/PV.7844), I have travelled the region extensively to discuss how neighbouring countries can support or play a proactive role in peace efforts. I have been encouraged. I sense that countries in the neighbourhood are more ready to work towards bringing peace to Afghanistan.”
2017-03-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7896 (2017) · source
“While parties to the conflict have expressed commitments to protecting civilians, concrete efforts must be made to ensure that such statements translate into real protection for Afghan civilians and reduce casualties. I look forward to the formal adoption and implementation of the national policy on civilian casualty prevention and mitigation by the Government of Afghanistan. Civilian casualties are preventable. I also encourage the Government to follow through on steps taken to break the culture of impunity and to make it clear that nobody is above the law. Deteriorating security also led to the highest- ever level of internal displacement in 2016. More than 650,000 Afghans were displaced; returns from Pakistan exceeded 620,000 people. Displacements and returns for 2017 are likely to remain at these levels.”
2017-03-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7896 (2017) · source
“Improving the security environment is essential to realizing economic growth and delivering on the ambitious plans which that country's citizens deserve. The deteriorating security situation remains of great concern. Armed clashes continued unabated in early 2017, despite the cold winter months. I am gravely concerned about reports pointing to an intense spring fighting season. Everything should be done to improve security. We must also remain vigilant about the presence of foreign fighters, including Da'esh. Last year, UNAMA recorded the worst number of civilian casualties since we began keeping records nearly a decade ago. The horrific attack two days ago is testimony to the heavy price Afghans pay. This trend must be reversed.”
2017-03-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7896 (2017) · source