YouSaid · the spoken record

Zarif

lines on the record: 520
first: 1992-01-21
most recent: 2019-09-25
sittings or episodes: 43
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

“No less than the taking of full statesman-like responsibility is demanded, if the present opportunities for moving forward towards peaceful, durable solutions are not to be missed.”
2011-11-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6670 (2011) · source
“Moreover, we hope that the Council will assist us by putting the full weight of its authority behind the messages we are sending to the parties, in particular concerning their respective leaderships. While some speak of Kosovo as a frozen conflict, I believe that the situation is fluid and dynamic. This potentially entails greater dangers, but there also exist genuine opportunities to pursue a viable, sustainable resolution that could overcome the long-standing tensions. It is my belief that this can best be achieved through the stewardship of this Council. Above all, I believe that what is needed at the moment is for sides to master the goodwill, pragmatism, boldness, courage and resolve necessary to achieve genuine progress.”
2011-11-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6670 (2011) · source
“As noted in the Secretary-General's report, "Belgrade remains of the view that an independent body, with investigative powers in Albania and beyond, should be established by the Security Council to lead the investigation." (S/2011/675, para. 29) In closing, I would like to thank the members of the Council for their support for UNMIK, and in particular for continuing efforts to contribute to solutions that not only accord with the values and purposes of the United Nations, but contribute towards the fulfilment of the aspirations of the people of the region to a more peaceful and more prosperous future as part of Europe. We count upon the Council's continued support for our efforts to tackle the immediate and delicate problems described in the present report of the Secretary-General.”
2011-11-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6670 (2011) · source
“Finally, I wish briefly to update the Council on the steps taken by EULEX to investigate the allegations contained in the Council of Europe Parliamentary Assembly's resolution 1782 (2011), "Investigation of allegations of inhuman treatment of people and illicit trafficking in human organs in Kosovo". A Special Investigative Task Force has been set up and has taken over the preliminary investigation launched by EULEX into the allegations. The lead prosecutor announced that he had secured Albania's commitment to cooperating in the investigation, and declared his commitment to following the trail of evidence wherever it may lead. He recently met with the Presidents of Kosovo, Albania and Serbia, as well as with war crimes prosecutors in the three capitals.”
2011-11-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6670 (2011) · source
“The continued support of the Kosovo authorities for the established mechanisms for the special protection and reconstruction of Orthodox sites, including the Reconstruction and Implementation Commission, would contribute to this process. There has been only modest progress in the clarification of the fates and location of missing persons. In this regard, I wish to reiterate the call on all those who have information on the fates and locations of the missing to come forward and pass that information on to the International Committee of the Red Cross.”
2011-11-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6670 (2011) · source
“I am pleased to report that since spring 2009, when the Kosovo Police gradually started to assume responsibility for security arrangements at protected sites, there has been a decrease of incidents at these sites. Currently, ethnically mixed teams of Kosovo Police are in charge of security arrangements at 21 sites, mostly churches and monasteries. Although the Serbian Orthodox Church assesses the situation around the church sites to be fragile and has undertaken some physical protection measures of its own, the best guarantee for the long- term security of these sites is the development of positive relations between the Church and local representatives of the Kosovo-Albanian community, in which some senior clerics are actively engaged.”
2011-11-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6670 (2011) · source
“While vocal opposition to returns has diminished, in early November a public protest by some 200 members of the receiving Kosovo- Albanian community in a formerly mixed village in FerizajflJrosevac municipality prevented a visit by Serb internally displaced persons, who were escorted away by the Kosovo police after one of their minivans was stoned outside the meeting venue. We are concerned by the incident, but note that the municipal leadership has publicly denounced the receiving community's opposition, and has taken action to reschedule the visit to the community. There is better news regarding the preservation of Serbian Orthodox heritage sites.”
2011-11-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6670 (2011) · source
“UNMIK is carefully and closely following the trend of such incidents and is engaging both with local police and community leaders, as well as with EULEX, to intensify efforts to resolve all inter-ethnic criminal cases, which are particularly damaging to the prospects for peace and reconciliation. More importantly, UNMIK is adding its voice to that of others in the international community calling for more active and effective efforts on the part of political leaders to make use of their leadership positions in order to help change the atmosphere in which inter-ethnic crime is tacitly tolerated. Perceptions of safety and security are one of the key elements affecting minority returns. We continue to observe with concern the recent decline in the rate of such returns to Kosovo.”
2011-11-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6670 (2011) · source
“This period has seen an increase of incidents affecting minority communities elsewhere in Kosovo, including the killing of a Kosovo Croat and the wounding of another in southern Kosovo on 2 October, and the killing of a Kosovo Serb and injuring of two others in western Kosovo on 20 October. While it is unclear whether these cases were ethnically motivated, it is a fact that criminal incidents affecting members of minority communities weaken these communities' perception of their safety and security. It is important to note that the number of criminal incidents affecting minorities has also increased compared to the same period one year ago, which, considering the present situation, has a greater negative impact upon these communities' perception of their safety and security.”
2011-11-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6670 (2011) · source
“At the same dialogue meeting, and following on an earlier agreement in July, it was agreed that the European University Association will be asked to certify diplomas issued by universities of each party for use by the other in connection with further education and/or public employment. Regional cooperation was also discussed, with the parties agreeing that they would return to the issue at their next meeting, scheduled for tomorrow, with a view to reaching a final agreement. The parties also reviewed the process of implementation of previously reached agreements on cadastre, civil registry and freedom of movement, and committed themselves to making rapid progress in this process. It is important to ensure that the momentum of this dialogue, in terms of both reaching agreements and of their implementation, be maintained.”
2011-11-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6670 (2011) · source
“In light of all this, the resumption of the European Union (EU)-facilitated dialogue between Pristina and Belgrade on 21 November, after a hiatus that followed Pristina's attempt to take control of the gates on 25 July, should be welcomed by all. The dialogue provides an appropriate forum for the discussion of a way forward that would represent a European solution for the two crossing points. We should encourage the sides to maintain their engagement in good faith, and to work closely with the EU facilitator, whose leadership is key to the process, to reach agreement on such a solution.”
2011-11-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6670 (2011) · source
“Despite KFOR's general posture to avoid forceful action in the north, the situation continues to be extremely volatile, and the combined factors of frustration, fear and mistrust could easily and quickly provide the spark that could ignite violence, as was demonstrated by the recent clashes. At the same time, other incidents, such as the killing of a Kosovo Serb 11-60960 and the wounding of three others in the Kroi i Vitakut/Brdjani neighbourhood in northern Mitrovica on 9 November only serve to exacerbate the ethnic tensions. Consequently, the situation calls for strong, united leadership from the international community.”
2011-11-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6670 (2011) · source
“It should be noted that, without progress at the political level, EULEX and KFOR will continue to face difficulties in fulfilling their mandates north of the Ibar River, and that previous relative successes in building a functional and multi-ethnic Kosovo police presence there will be jeopardized. Recent attacks targeting Kosovo police officers in Zubin Potok, notably the attack on the residence of the Chief of the Investigation Unit and a hand grenade attack directed at the police station, which appear to be related to the local political situation, seem to reflect the currently tense situation in the north and may cause further impediments to effective policing.”
2011-11-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6670 (2011) · source
“Our core messages have been to show patience, refrain from the use of force, avoid violence and support the Security Council- mandated international presences in the fulfilment of their responsibilities by not impeding their freedom of movement in the north. One element of our strategy of engagement has already borne some fruit. The various sides have toned down their rhetoric, through which they tended to speak to their respective constituencies with inadequate regard for the misunderstandings that their remarks could create. I am pleased to report to the Council that that advice has been heeded and is being positively implemented in Pristina and Belgrade.”
2011-11-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6670 (2011) · source
“UNMIK and its international partners have taken several initiatives to contain the current situation and to help to bring into focus its underlying causes, which deserve the attention and careful examination of this Council. We are working hard to help to dispel tensions and create an atmosphere in which durable solutions will be possible. Accordingly, we have actively sought out interlocutors from across the political spectrum - in Pristina, northern Kosovo and Belgrade - to promote efforts to find common ground and engage in constructive dialogue. We have urged all sides to explore ways and opportunities to communicate more effectively with one another.”
2011-11-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6670 (2011) · source
“The situation today has been peaceful, although local Kosovo Serb protesters are still present at the site. Those incidents marked a clear escalation in the level of tension and violence in the north. UNMIK has expressed serious concern at those acts of violence and has condemned the shootings targeting KFOR soldiers. President Jahjaga issued a statement condemning the attacks on KFOR, while President Tadic' of Serbia this morning called on KFOR to avoid the use of force and asked the Kosovo Serbs to remove the barricades. Regrettably, the situation in the north has become intertwined with the politics of the Serbian elections to 11-60960 be held next spring and with the current political dynamics in Pristina.”
2011-11-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6670 (2011) · source
“That attempt sparked a violent clash with local Serb residents, who attacked KFOR soldiers with rocks and vehicles. According to KFOR, 21 of its soldiers, personnel from Germany, Hungary and Portugal, were injured in the incident. In the morning of 28 November, KFOR soldiers took over and removed the Kosovo Serb roadblock at a village west of Zubin Potok. KFOR said that, during the operation, it used water cannons, tear gas, pepper spray and rubber bullets. KF OR also reported that two of its soldiers were wounded by small arms fire. The situation calmed down for a few hours, but the violence resumed late in the afternoon, with Kosovo Serb demonstrators throwing Molotov cocktails at KFOR troops, injuring an additional 23 soldiers. Some 15 Serb demonstrators reportedly received treatment for the injuries they sustained during the clashes.”
2011-11-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6670 (2011) · source
“The gates have remained closed to traffic owing to the barricades erected by Kosovo Serb residents in the north, who have continued to object to the presence, albeit symbolic at the moment, of customs and police officials from the Pristina institutions. The European Union Rule of Law Mission in Kosovo (EULEX) continues to transport Pristina officials to the gates by helicopter. In response, the northern Kosovo Serbs refuse EULEX the freedom of movement throughout the north. Meanwhile, KFOR's ability to conduct patrols and access its bases in the north is unpredictable, as convoys are sporadically blocked at the barricades when accompanied by EULEX or when carrying heavy engineering equipment. On the night of 23 to 24 November, KFOR attempted to dismantle an unmanned barricade at Dudin krs, close to the northern Mitrovica bypass.”
2011-11-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6670 (2011) · source
“Mr. Zarif: The report before the Council (S/2011/675) details the activities of the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK) from 16 July to 15 October 2011. Since my last briefing to the Council, on 30 August (see S/PV.6604), the Council has met twice, on 15 September (S/PV.6616 and S/PV.6617) and 28 September, and has been briefed on the situation in the north of Kosovo, which remains precarious and warrants the attention and leadership of the Council. Since mid-October, the Kosovo Force (KFOR) has consolidated perimeters at Gates 1 and 31 and has attempted to remove some of the Kosovo Serb roadblocks. Those attempts have resulted in occasional 2 clashes with the Serb protesters.”
2011-11-29 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6670 (2011) · source
“EULEX has informed us that the members of the special investigative task force that will conduct an investigation into the issue have been recruited, that facilities and equipment in Brussels have been secured, and that the task force is expected to begin its work in September. In closing, on behalf of all UNMIK staff, I wish to thank the Council for its continued support and to reiterate our assurance that we will continue to implement the mandate with which it have entrusted us.”
2011-08-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6604 (2011) · source
“In consultation with Belgrade, Pristina and all relevant stakeholders, UNMIK is ensuring coordination between the dialogue process and the CEFTA procedure. The common, acknowledged goal is a swift and successful resolution of the issue. While the issue of UNMIK's facilitation of Kosovo's external relations remains a delicate issue for Pristina, we have noted a more pragmatic approach to the matter by the Kosovo authorities and, in this context, we particularly welcome Pristina's decision to resume participation in meetings of the Sarajevo-based Regional Cooperation Council. Finally, I wish to update the Council on the steps taken by EULEX to investigate the allegations contained in Council of Europe Special Rapporteur Marty's report on inhuman treatment of people and illicit trafficking in human organs in Kosovo.”
2011-08-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6604 (2011) · source
“I therefore renew the call on all those who can help to clarify the fates of the missing to pass on relevant information to the International Committee of the Red Cross so that the surviving family members can learn about the fates of their loved ones and achieve closure. I would like to update the Council on two issues. The first is UNMIK's facilitation of external relations, starting with the Central European Free Trade Agreement (CEFTA). As I mentioned at the outset, on 20 July the Kosovo authorities imposed an embargo on shipments of goods bearing stamps of the Serbian tax and customs administration. While Belgrade has initiated a dispute resolution procedure to address the issue under CEFTA, a consensus has been facilitated between Belgrade and Pristina that they will deal with the matter in the next dialogue session.”
2011-08-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6604 (2011) · source
“According to figures released by the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, the total number of voluntary returns to Kosovo between April and July was 333, of whom all but eight are members of minority communities. As we have repeatedly reported, returns are impeded both by the lack of economic prospects for returnees and by the lack of reconciliation, on which the issue of the missing persons bears heavily. Today, 30 August, marks the International Day of the Disappeared. Regrettably, during the reporting period there was no significant progress to report in the clarification of the fates of local missing persons. The number of those still missing from the Kosovo conflict and its immediate aftermath still stands at over 1,800.”
2011-08-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6604 (2011) · source
“Consequently, UNMIK has addressed the relevant court, requesting an immediate reversal of this seizure of bank accounts and the return of all monies seized. We are also concerned that the effects of this action could be perceived by the population of northern Kosovo as a deliberate attempt to target their well- being at a time when it is imperative that the Kosovo authorities clearly and credibly convey their stated concern for the welfare of all those who inhabit the territory of Kosovo - North and South. A loud and clear expression of that concern may also allow us to see greater progress in the area of returns, which, as reported by the Secretary-General, remains very slow.”
2011-08-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6604 (2011) · source
“Before moving on to other issues, I wish to highlight another matter that concerns northern Kosovo, and which is threatening the livelihood of some 3,500 employees and their families and risking further damage to the relationship between the Kosovo authorities and the Kosovo Serb community in the North. 3 UNMIK has learned that the Kosovo Tax Administration has seized bank accounts belonging to the socially owned enterprise Trepca, a mining company that is the single largest employer in northern Kosovo. The reason alleged, but entirely unsubstantiated by the Tax Administration, is that there are tax liabilities owed by Trepca. Whatever the reason, however, the action by the Tax Administration is in clear violation of applicable laws and procedures.”
2011-08-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6604 (2011) · source
“The United Nations Kosovo team's current common plan is focused on the themes of inclusion, participation and accountability, takes advantage of the United Nations Kosovo team's quality as a neutral partner, and works with Government structures as well as civil society, both north and south of the Iber/Ibar River. In this regard, I wish to note that the United Nations Kosovo team has suffered a decrease in its funding of approximately 40 per cent. At the same time, interventions by the major donors do not focus on either conflict prevention or reconciliation. Consequently, I would appeal to the international community to continue to support the work the United Nations Kosovo team is doing to rebuild trust and foster reconciliation.”
2011-08-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6604 (2011) · source
“UNMIK, as well as United Nations funds, agencies and programmes, which we refer to as the "United Nations Kosovo team", and the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe are taking concrete steps to increase reconciliation efforts. Our staff in northern Kosovo are working daily with the communities to clarify misunderstandings, allay anxieties, and mediate, as necessary, including between the communities and other members of the international community. We also continue to liaise with the political leadership in both Pristina and Belgrade with a view to maintaining the confidence of all sides.”
2011-08-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6604 (2011) · source
“This kind of 11-48292 public discourse only exacerbates the deep-seated mistrust and animosity that still exist between the majority population and the Kosovo Serb minority, particularly in the North. There is a pressing need for leaders on both sides to speak the language of peaceful coexistence and reconciliation and to accompany their words with concrete actions. UNMIK has been conveying this message clearly and widely. Fractured inter-community relations seriously risk undermining the considerable investments made by the international community towards advancing Kosovo's overall institutional, economic and social development.”
2011-08-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6604 (2011) · source
“While tensions in the North, thankfully, did not spill over into the rest of Kosovo, we nevertheless saw an increase in cases of intimidation of Kosovo Serbs and attacks on their property in communities south of the Iber/Ibar River. We are of the belief that the recent troubles must be a wake-up call to all that rebuilding trust and promoting inter-community cooperation and understanding cannot be further postponed. During the crisis, the language and tone of the messages originating both from those speaking for Pristina and from those speaking on behalf of Belgrade were too often messages of domination and division, and too seldom of cooperation and inclusion.”
2011-08-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6604 (2011) · source
“They serve as a stark reminder that the issues underlying such incidents remain unresolved and constitute a serious threat to Kosovo's peace and stability. It remains essential, therefore, that all sides refrain from any unilateral action that could escalate existing tensions. We must all work together to avoid any further deterioration of the situation and allow progress to be made through dialogue, as expected of responsible and trustworthy interlocutors. The leadership in both Pristina and Belgrade has a responsibility to set a public example and to demonstrate, in practical terms, their confidence in the dialogue as a means of resolving disputes, as opposed to unilateral action.”
2011-08-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6604 (2011) · source
“It is hoped that, when the dialogue resumes, the parties will resolve their long-standing commercial dispute and find a mutually agreeable way forward. In the meantime, EULEX has increased police patrols in northern Kosovo, especially in multi-ethnic areas, and maintains a strong presence at the Mitrovice/Mitrovica District Court, which remains a symbol of discord and contention. Although the situation was contained and further loss of life prevented, we should note that the events that took place in northern Kosovo last month were the most serious security incidents since the violence in 2008, which claimed the life of an international police officer and resulted in scores of injuries.”
2011-08-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6604 (2011) · source
“A gunfight erupted during the ROSU movement that resulted in the death of a ROSU officer. In a separate incident, the facilities at Gate 1 were torched by masked perpetrators. Both incidents are currently the subject of a priority criminal investigation that is being conducted by the European Union Rule of Law Mission in Kosovo (EULEX). The torching of Gate 1 led KFOR to declare both gates military protected zones, under the control of KFOR troops. 11-48292 Following further mediation by the KFOR Commander, a common understanding emerged that, inter alia, KFOR will be responsible for the gates at least until 15 September. That understanding is intended to manage the situation until Belgrade and Pristina resume the European Union-facilitated dialogue in Brussels, currently scheduled for 2 September.”
2011-08-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6604 (2011) · source
“Hashim Thaci, explained that the purpose of such action was to establish the rule of law, including Kosovo customs controls at the northern gates, as well as to enforce the embargo on goods coming from Serbia. I will briefly recap the events that followed. ROSU succeeded in reaching Gate 31, where one officer was wounded as a result of an improvised explosive device, but it was unable to deploy at Gate 1 due to roadblocks set up by northern Kosovo Serbs soon after the operation started. Due to the presence of those roadblocks, ROSU was unable either to move ahead or to retreat. The Kosovo Force (KFOR) responded by deploying eight of its 15 companies to northern Kosovo and, on 26 July, the KFOR Commander facilitated an agreement on the withdrawal of all ROSU units from northern Kosovo.”
2011-08-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6604 (2011) · source
“However, the situation changed in the days immediately thereafter, beginning with the postponement of the sixth session of the Pristina-Belgrade dialogue due, inter alia, to continuing disagreements between the parties on the issue of Kosovo customs stamps. On 20 July, Pristina announced the imposition of what it described as "reciprocal measures" on Serbian goods, effectively putting them under an embargo. On 25 July, with no advance warning or coordination with the international presences, the Kosovo authorities attempted to deploy members of the Kosovo Special Police Unit (ROSU) to the two northern boundary crossing points where Kosovo customs have not been able to operate. The Kosovo Prime Minister, Mr.”
2011-08-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6604 (2011) · source
“Mr. Zarif: The report before the Council (S/2011/514) details the activities of the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK) from 16 April to 15 July 2011. As the Council is aware, in the days following the end of the reporting period - on 25 July, to be exact - an attempt by the Kosovo authorities to take control of Gates 1 and 31 on the administrative boundary line led former Under-Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations Alain Le Roy to brief a closed session of 2 the Council on 28 July on the situation in northern Kosovo. While the situation has improved somewhat since then, it remains tense and unpredictable. The report before the Council paints a hopeful picture of the dialogue between Pristina and Belgrade as of the end of the reporting period.”
2011-08-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6604 (2011) · source
“Out of $560 million in reconstruction assistance for Afghanistan pledged by Iran at the Tokyo conference, we have thus far spent more than $270 million on mutually agreed projects in the areas of infrastructure, technical and educational services, and financial and in-kind assistance. Also, by hosting almost 3 million Afghan refugees for about three decades, Iran has incurred huge costs in the process. The Iranian Government expects more cooperation on the part of the international community and the Afghan Government in the process of voluntary repatriation of refugees. I wish to conclude by reiterating that our determination will remain unwavering and our resolve will continue to be firm in supporting the Afghan people and Government in their quest for peace and prosperity.”
2007-03-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5641 (2007) · source
“As a member of the Joint Coordination and Monitoring Board of the Afghanistan Compact, Iran stands ready to contribute to the process and to the full realization of that imitative. We also reaffirm the central role of the United Nations in Afghanistan, including its coordination of efforts to implement the Afghanistan Compact, and therefore support the Secretary- General's proposal to extend the mandate of UNAMA, as outlined in the report. As indicated in the report, Iran is among the key economic partners of Afghanistan in the region and has expanded its economic relations with that country in recent years. We have contributed extensive financial and technical assistance to Afghanistan's infrastructure.”
2007-03-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5641 (2007) · source
“Undoubtedly, if Iran is to sustain its ongoing fierce fight against drug trafficking, international support and especially the cooperation of neighbouring countries are indispensable. We concur with the Secretary-General that, given the enormous challenges that Afghanistan is facing today, that country and its international partners find themselves once again at a critical juncture in Afghanistan's transition. We also share the View that it is essential for the international community to reconfirm its commitment to Afghanistan and consolidate the accomplishments of the past six years. In that respect, the nationally owned and led Afghanistan Compact remains the best strategic framework for cooperation between the Government of Afghanistan and the international community.”
2007-03-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5641 (2007) · source
“We therefore concur with the Secretary-General that an urgent concerted effort by all stakeholders is needed to improve implementation of the National Drug Control Strategy and that tackling the drug industry in Afghanistan must be viewed as part of the overall strategy to build healthy State institutions and restore people's trust in the authority of the Government. We further believe that more concrete steps need to be taken on the part of Afghanistan, regional States and the international community to fight that menace, as the measures taken so far do not correspond to the magnitude of the challenge. The Islamic Republic of Iran, for its part, has fought a costly war against heavily-armed drug traffickers in the past decades, and stands ready to continue that fight.”
2007-03-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5641 (2007) · source
“Afghanistan now accounts for 92 per cent of the total supply of opium and its derivatives, especially heroin. We share the view that trafficking in narcotics poses a grave threat to reconstruction and nation-building in Afghanistan by undermining the rule of law, fostering corruption and supporting terrorist violence. Undoubtedly, terrorism, insecurity and drug trafficking in Afghanistan are mutually reinforcing, and terrorist groups are among the major beneficiaries of drug money. It is therefore imperative and indispensable for members of the international community, especially those who are at the receiving end, to adjust their counter-narcotics strategy accordingly. Equally important is the absolute need for the international community to assist the Afghan Government in implementing its National Drug Control Strategy.”
2007-03-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5641 (2007) · source
“We are of the View that, in order to respond more effectively to the surge in terrorist violence in certain parts of Afghanistan, the capability of the Afghan police and army should be enhanced. In that regard, it is imperative that members of the international community spare no effort in empowering the Afghans themselves to address their own security problems by, inter alia, intensifying efforts to improve and accelerate the training and equipping of the Afghan police and army. We have noted with satisfaction that, apart from manpower and equipment shortfalls, the Afghan National Army continues to make good progress. As the report indicates, poppy cultivation and the drug economy continue to grow in Afghanistan. As a neighbouring country, Iran is extremely concerned about that daunting challenge.”
2007-03-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5641 (2007) · source
“Therefore, in view of certain developments on the ground, it must be underlined that any action, including contacts with those responsible for insecurity and mayhem, that could be wrongly interpreted as rewarding terrorists and criminals will prove counterproductive in combating terrorism and insecurity in Afghanistan. The Islamic Republic of Iran condemns the continued terrorist acts committed in Afghanistan and extends its full support to the efforts of the Afghan Government to improve the security situation in the country. We are concerned about the possibility of the expansion of insecurity to the rest of Afghanistan, including to the western parts of the country, which have so far remained secure. Such an event would adversely affect the return of refugees and exacerbate drug trafficking.”
2007-03-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5641 (2007) · source
“Moreover, terrorist activities and violence by the Taliban and Al-Qaida are well in excess of those recorded for previous years. The increasing number of terrorist acts and other security incidents, in particular the high number of suicide bombings - which the report has described as representing the most visible link between the insurgency and international terrorism - pose a grave threat to the political transition nationwide and put the achievement of the Bonn process in jeopardy. As mentioned in the report, during the past year terrorists and insurgents have been emboldened by their strategic successes, rather than being disheartened by tactical failures.”
2007-03-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5641 (2007) · source
“Among many other promising developments, economic indicators provide grounds for optimism about the future - given that, for example, the rate of inflation continues to decline and the exchange rate has remained stable. Despite all those promising steps and encouraging developments, various daunting challenges and hurdles remain for the Afghan people and Government to face on their way to security, stability and development. Terrorism and insurgency- related violence, coupled with a pervasive drug economy, continue to pose a formidable combination of threats, thereby putting at risk the return of the country to peace and stability. We are concerned about the recent increase in terrorist acts and insurgency- related violence, particularly in the south and in the south-eastern parts of Afghanistan.”
2007-03-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5641 (2007) · source
“They have successfully met all milestones set by the Bonn Agreement. They also saw the political transition through to completion, in December 2005, when they concluded the general electoral process by inaugurating the Afghan National Assembly. That body, which has now developed into a vibrant forum for debate on a range of issues, provides an increasingly powerful counterweight to the executive branch. Led by President Karzai, and benefiting from international and regional assistance, the Afghan people, despite the enormity of the task, have also made significant progress towards the rehabilitation of the basic infrastructure that can support the long- awaited political, economic and social development of their country.”
2007-03-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5641 (2007) · source
“Allow me to join previous speakers in congratulating you, Mr. President, on your assumption of the presidency of the Council for this month. We also wish to thank you for convening this meeting and to commend you for your excellent stewardship of the Council. We also wish to extend our appreciation to the Secretary-General for his comprehensive and valuable report (S/2007/ 152), and to his Special Representative, Mr. Tom Koenigs, and his colleagues in the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) for their tireless efforts and commendable dedication to Afghanistan. We also welcome the presence of Mr. Costa, Executive Director of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime. We thank him for his efforts and for his important briefing. The Afghan people and Government have come a long way.”
2007-03-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5641 (2007) · source
“Nearly two thirds of them are members of the Non-Aligned Movement or the Organization of Islamic Conference which, at the summit level, have reaffirmed that "States' choices and decisions in the field of peaceful uses of nuclear technology and its fuel cycle policies must be respected", and have "expressed concern over threats and pressures on Iran by certain circles to renounce its inalienable right to develop nuclear energy for peaceful purposes". They have also clarified where the real threat to international peace and security does in fact lie, by, again at the summit level, "expressing grave concern over the acquisition of nuclear capability by Israel, which poses a serious and continuing threat to the security of neighbouring and other States".”
2006-12-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5612 (2006) · source
“Those are the only objective criteria. Anything else would be to accept the whims of the powerful. International law and international treaties cannot be the subject of arbitrary, fluctuating and self-serving reinterpretations, readjustments or red lines even if they are connivingly imposed through resolutions. Such a precedent is dangerous for everyone. The Security Council would go a long way in addressing its own confidence deficit by truly acting on behalf of the United Nations membership, as mandated by Article 24 of the Charter.”
2006-12-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5612 (2006) · source
“Unlike some who despise the NPT and international law in general, we have a high stake in preserving, fully implementing, strengthening and universalizing the NPT. Today's decision does exactly the opposite; That should be no surprise because it was championed by a non-member of the NPT, coupled with its main benefactor, which made no secret of its contempt for this and other disarmament instruments. None of us has forgotten last year's World Summit when even the word "disarmament" was removed by the famous "red pen". By the same token, we believe that the days of bullying, pressure and intimidation by some nuclear weapon holders are long gone. We are told that we need to build confidence. Indeed, we all do in this tumultuous world. But confidence can only be built through respect for and the non-discriminatory application of the law.”
2006-12-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5612 (2006) · source
“That report was so dangerously misleading and so illustrative of the extent to which some war-mongers are prepared to go that it compelled the IAEA to officially dispute its allegations against Iran. In its letter, the IAEA called parts of the report "outrageous and dishonest" and containing "incorrect and misleading assertions", and it offered evidence to refute the report's central claims. The Agency stressed that the report even seriously distorted IAEA findings on Iran's nuclear activities. Let me conclude by reiterating that the Islamic Republic of Iran firmly believes that the days of weapons of mass murder have long passed, that these inhumane instruments of indiscriminate slaughter have not brought about internal stability or external security for anyone and that they will not be able to do so in the future.”
2006-12-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.5612 (2006) · source