Statement by H.E. Dr. Zahir Tanin

Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Afghanistan to the United Nations

At the Security Council debate on

Comprehensive Approach to Counter Terrorism

Madame President,

I’d like to begin by congratulating you on Pakistan’s assumption of the Presidency of the Security Council, and also by expressing appreciation for convening today’s important meeting addressing an issue of special importance and relevance to my country, Afghanistan.

I wish to take this opportunity to reiterate our condemnation of the terrorist attacks which took place in Quetta and the Swat Valley, leaving more than 100 innocent people dead, and many more wounded. These horrific incidents reaffirm that terrorism is still a formidable threat. That is why we all must redouble our efforts to defeat this menace.

My delegation is pleased to know that the Security Council continues to give serious attention to the fight against terrorism. In May of last year, the Council held a high-level meeting on threats to international peace and security posed by terrorist acts. The outcome of that meeting underscored the changing nature of the terrorist threat, and the need for a strengthened global response in dealing with the problem. Today, more than ever before, the fight against terrorism is being conducted in a more result-oriented, balanced and integrated manner.

Madame President,

Afghanistan has lived with, and suffered from terrorism for more than two-decades. It wasn’t too long ago, when the Afghanistan’s territory was used by Al-Qaeda and affiliate groups not only as a site for brutal attacks against the Afghan people, but as a staging ground for terrorist attacks around the world. Over the past eleven years, since the fall of the Taliban, Afghanistan has made important headway in its fight against terrorism, and in transforming into a more peaceful, stable, and democratic society.

Despite progress made thus far, terrorism and insecurity remain serious challenges facing the Afghan people. The effects of terrorism are felt in the entirety of Afghan society, resulting from attacks on innocent civilians, including women and men, tribal and religious elders, members of civil society, and even young school children. Just last month, in another cowardly attack, a terrorist posing as a peace negotiator carried out a suicide bombing against our Chief of Intelligence, Mr. Asadullah Khaled. Gratefully, the assassination plot failed, and Mr. Khaled is now recovering successfully. Such acts will in no way weaken the determination of Afghans to defeat terrorism and succeed in their journey for peace and prosperity.

Our comprehensive counter-terrorism approach, central to our national security strategy, is being carried out by our national security institutions.  At the operational level, scores of terrorists and enemy combatants have been captured and brought to justice. Through intelligence gathering, we have subverted hundreds of terrorist plots in various parts of the country. Operating with increased capability, our security forces are increasingly taking charge of combat operations nationwide, including in counter-terrorism operations.

Madame President,

Insecurity and terrorism are not only a threat for Afghanistan, but for our wider region, which we hope will be dealt with fully and effectively, within the framework of our joint efforts with regional partner countries.

We, therefore, cannot overstate the importance of regional cooperation. Over the past year, we have escalated efforts to defeat terrorism, improve security and ensure prosperity in our part of the world. To this effect, we are making important progress through bilateral, trilateral and quadrilateral mechanisms, as well as through regional efforts such as the “Istanbul Process on Regional Security and Cooperation for a Secure and Stable Afghanistan.”

With Pakistan we have enhanced our cooperation in a number of areas, including counter-terrorism efforts in order to bring lasting peace, security and stability to both our countries.

Consistent with our struggle against terrorism, we attach high importance to the body of legal instruments concerning this problem. Afghanistan is party to 13 international counter-terrorism conventions and protocols. In this regard, relevant ministries and governmental agencies are working closely towards implementation of national legislation. I would be remiss in failing to praise the important work being done by the counter-terrorism subsidiary bodies of the Security Council – the 1267/1989, 1373 and 1540 committees, respectively.  Afghanistan has, and will continue to present national reports in regards to implementation of relevant Security Council resolutions.

Madame President,

The role of the UN lies at the core of an effective fight against terrorism. The 3^rd biennial review of the UN Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy, conducted last June in the General Assembly, marks another milestone in strengthening the UN’s counter-terrorism efforts and has generated new impetus in the efforts of States against the global threat. Furthermore, we believe greater synergy and coordination among the relevant UN bodies and agencies will enable our organization to enhance cooperation, internationally and regionally, as efficiently as possible. In this regard, we look forward to further discussions on the topic of the appointment of a UN counter-terrorism coordinator.

We also commend the important work being done by the counter-terrorism implementation task force (CTITF). Through various initiatives, such as workshops in different regions, including Central Asia, the task-force is playing an important role in helping States build their counter-terrorism capacities. Another important development was the creation of the UN counter-terrorism center in November of last year. We are confident the center will go a long way in enhancing coordination efforts.

Madame President,

The global counter-terrorism strategy underscores a holistic approach in the fight against terrorism. Our success is dependent on the extent to which we are able to further progress in a number of areas. The dangerous link between terrorism and transnational organized crime must be broken. The problem of terrorist safe-havens, alongside the outstanding issue of financial and logistical resources made available to terrorists have yet to be resolved.  These are real problems that require real solutions. Moreover, we believe that conflict prevention and resolution are essential facets of the counter-terrorism effort; the UN’s role is of particular importance in this regard.

Additionally, ensuring job opportunities for youth, and poverty eradication will help curtail recruitment of new individuals to terrorist networks. We highlight, in this connection, the activities of the Department of Economic and Social Affairs in promoting development for all.  It goes without saying that terrorism is a common enemy, which doesn’t discriminate against any particular religion, nationality or culture. Everyone is a target. We call for increased measures to strengthen inter-religious and cultural-dialogue and understanding.

Madame President,

In conclusion, I would like to underscore Afghanistan’s long-standing commitment to the fight against international terrorism. As a prime victim against this threat, we are well aware of the devastating effects which it brings upon societies. Yet, we are also well aware of the progress that can be made in this regard through joint and concerted efforts. We value greatly the support of our international partners over the past eleven years in our struggle against this global threat, and look forward to our continuing partnership with the international community on the way forward.

I thank you.

Talking Points of H.E. Dr. Zahir Tanin Permanent Representative and Ambassador of Afghanistan to the UN  at the

Opening Ceremony of Exhibit titled, “Wakhan, an Other Afghanistan” at the United Nations

Ladies and Gentlemen,

• Welcome, all of you, and thank you for attending this special event.  It is a pleasure to join you here this evening to view for the first time at the United Nations this impressive collection of photos. To all the sponsors that helped make this event possible, I extend my appreciation for your support.

• I am happy to acknowledge the artists, Fabrice Nadjari and Cedric Houin who photographed their inspirational journey through the Wakhan corridor. Please join me in giving them a round of applause for their impressive work.

• Fabrice and Cedric went on quite an adventure through parts of Afghanistan that the outside world rarely sees due to its remoteness and geographical isolation.  Through this adventure, they put together these fascinating pictorial images they have brought world-wide attention to one of the most exquisite areas of the country and region.

• The Wakhan corridor, in the extreme Northeast of Afghanistan, linking Afghanistan and China is where one can see the ultimate beauty of the highest mountains in the world; it is where the Himalayas, Tian Shan, Karakoram, Kunlun and Hindu Kush ranges meet. The Wakhan corridor is 220km long, and between 16 and 64km wide, inhabited by some 12,000 people. Here you can see the landscape that represents the natural features of the broader central Asian region. The people of Wakhan share lineage with people from the greater area of central Asia. We see today that this exhibit reflects not only the tangible image of an impressive landscape, but the astonishing resilience of a people that live, where every moment is a struggle against their harsh natural setting.

• In his masterpiece “The Monuments of Afghanistan,” Warwick Ball says, “The land itself is the natural starting point of any examination of Afghanistan. To the outsider, it is what one first encounters: its Great Plains, its fertile valleys, its mountains are seen as a source of empire by the conqueror, a source of wealth by the merchant, a source of inspiration by the pilgrim. For the people themselves, it is the landscape that has moulded them more than any other single factor: it has inspired their genius, channelled their ideas into certain patterns, and provided a spectacular setting for towns, villages and monuments that are the manifestation of that genius… but it is not the mountains, plains, and deserts alone that give the land its special quality. For the natural landscape are still just a backdrop to the human landscape set in them… the towns, villages, even the fields which adorn the landscapes are as impressive- and massive – as any great monument or work of art.”[1]

• What Warwick Ball is saying about the landscape and diversity is just what we are seeing in today’s exhibition about Wakhan. When you look around at the faces of people in these images, you can see the simple beauty of their preservation of a traditional way of life.

• Afghanistan is viewed as a crossroads, a meeting point of different regions, a distinguished place in the Heart of Asia.  In historical terms Afghanistan’s land which “has hosted some of the greatest civilizations… ranged from forming the peripheries of empires centered elsewhere to in turn being the hub of great empires that encompassed lands from Tabriz in the west, the Aral Sea in the north, the Indian Ocean in the south and Benares in the east…no history of China, Persia, India or Russia can be understood without continuing reference to the land locked area at whose centre lie the majestic deserts and sweeping mountain ranges of Afghanistan. Afghanistan has always seemed to be the enigmatic key to the histories and destinies of others.”[2] Due to its unique location, Wakhan exemplifies in its own way a crossroads, and today it can bring regions together, rather than separating them.

• It is my hope that all diplomats and UN staff, particularly those involved in Afghanistan see these photos.  After long years of war in Afghanistan, as we embark upon a new decade of peace, we look to faces such as these to remind us of the future we are working towards with all our efforts. This exhibit encourages us to continue sharing stories of hope, success, and determination as we strive to preserve Afghanistan’s rich culture.

• I thank you.

Statement H.E. Dr Zahir Tanin Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Afghanistan to the United Nations

 At the Security Council debate on the Situation in Afghanistan

Mr. President,

Firstly, let me congratulate you and your delegation on the assumption of the Presidency of the Council for December. My delegation assures you of our full support as you steer the activities of the Council to a successful conclusion.  We are also thankful to our good friend Ambassador Puri of India, and his team, for their excellent leadership of the Council during November.

We welcome the Secretary-General’s report on Afghanistan; and I wish to thank Special Representative Kubis for honoring us with his presence here today. We are grateful to him for his insightful briefing, and able leadership of the UN’s activities in the country.

Mr. President,

Eleven years ago, following the fall of the Taliban regime, the Bonn Agreement was signed, creating a concrete road-map which paved the way for a new era in Afghanistan’s history. The agreement was about an integrated national movement, aimed at establishing the foundations for peace, stability and democracy, with the help of the international community.  An interim administration was established, led by President Hamid Karzai. The inauguration ceremony which took place on 22 December 2001 was atmospheric, filled with unprecedented enthusiasm, with the end of a dark period of conflict and strife.   I was there, and remember very clearly how the representatives of the Afghan people, coming from all walks of life, had come together, expressing their shared feelings about the difficult past, and hope for a better future.

Eleven years ago, we were weak.  Conflict and consecutive foreign intervention led us to become a failed state and a broken society. In fact, we were on the verge of collapse. It was impossible to change it alone. This is why the international community was placed in the center of our efforts for peace and stability. In that historical decade, the international community and Afghanistan struggled together, worked together, and joined hands for the noble objective of peace and a better future for the Afghan people. It was one of the most significant international engagements in our time, with more than fifty countries providing military and civilian support. Our shared achievements are monumental.

Early this morning I arrived from Kabul, a city which I found to be vibrant, and full of life, in contrast to a city that appeared dead eleven years ago. The situation in the country has substantially improved. It is a great source of pride and honor that millions of Afghan girls and boys are going to schools, millions of people have access to health services, and millions of people are emerging from poverty and destitution. But the most important success is that eleven years later the Government of Afghanistan with the help of the international community is starting to take full responsibility for nation-building and for normalizing of the situation through the process of transition and transformation. It is imperative that during transition, and beyond, we and the international community are together.

Mr. President,

As we approach 2014, when the international combat forces leave Afghanistan, transition is gaining momentum. In the next two years a successful security transition and most importantly an efficient political preparation will enable us to embark on the decade of transformation, in which we will stabilize the situation in Afghanistan. Steady implementation of security transition is but one example of the many gains made thus far. With the first three of the five stage transition process nearly complete, the overwhelming majority of Afghanistan’s population now resides in areas where Afghan security forces have lead security responsibility. And I’m pleased to say that security has improved in areas where lead security responsibility has been transitioned to Afghan forces.  The Afghan national army and police are operating with greater confidence and capability.  The launch of stage four of security transition will be officially announced in the coming days.

As transition proceeds, we see it imperative that the sustainability of Afghanistan’s security forces remain a priority. The Chicago NATO Summit last May was a milestone in that regard; and we appreciate the commitments pledged by NATO and other partners for long term support to our army and police.  We also look forward to the development of a new NATO mission in 2014, which will focus on training, advising and assisting Afghan national security forces.
Mr. President,

Transition is not about security alone. To normalize and stabilize the situation in the country, we need to put in place a comprehensive political framework that will provide the country and the international community with a new agenda, at the end of the military phase and the beginning a new transformative period. This framework will comprise of, at least, three main elements:

1 – National Consensus, National Reconciliation

Afghan people and political forces are preparing for a new beginning in the country. The absolute majority of Afghans see their future as linked with the continuation of the democratic system that we established over the last ten years. There is a concern shared by all Afghan people: not to lose what we have achieved, and not to go backward, but to continue moving forward. Once again, as it happened in Bonn eleven years ago we see the prospect of an emerging unity of understanding between different political forces that can lead to the unity of purpose and a constructive national dialogue aimed at saving the future.

In the centre of this dialogue is our grand strategy of national reconciliation. The peace process has gained momentum following the visit of the High Peace Council (HPC) led by H. E. Mr. Salahuddin Rabbani to Islamabad last month. The peace process Road Map which was presented to the Government of Pakistan during the visit provides a concise framework for effective action, focusing on the release of some Taliban detainees in Pakistan’s custody, establishing direct contacts with influential Taliban leaders, provision of safe passage for Taliban negotiators, and sustaining peace talks with the armed opposition groups, which include but are not limited to the Taliban. And just two weeks ago, H. E. Foreign Minister Rassoul paid a visit to Islamabad, where he held extensive discussions on bilateral cooperation, and ways to achieve the goals set out in the peace process Road Map.

As the Afghan-led reconciliation process forges ahead, we will continue to rely on the support of the international community as a whole, and the United Nations in particular. We look to this Council to help us expedite our efforts by meeting our delisting and travel ban exemption requests for concerned individuals. We recognize and welcome, with appreciation, that the successor resolution to SC resolution 1988 adequately incorporates the ideas and recommendations of the Afghan Government to help advance our peace and reconciliation efforts. Special thanks go to our colleagues at the United States Mission for their efforts in drafting the resolution, and to the Council as a whole for the constructive spirit of compromise and cooperation during negotiations.

2  – Elections:

In April 2014, Afghanistan will choose its new leadership, just a few months before the NATO combat forces leave the country. With the elections and the end of the military phase of international support, a new chapter in Afghanistan is unfolding; one characterized by sovereignty, self-reliance, and normalization of the situation. The preparations underway are Afghan-led and Afghan-managed. The international community, and in particular the United Nations, is assisting us in these important elections. The Afghan Independent Elections Commission with the support of the government of Afghanistan has responsibly began the preparations for the elections through announcing the elections calendar, and by focusing on all aspects of the preparation process, political, technical and financial, well in advance. Our diligent planning may help to bring more certainty to the Afghan people about the political transition. The draft electoral law is now under the consideration of Parliament. As noted by the Secretary-General in his report, elections will be the cornerstone of political transition. Elections have the potential to become a new venue for national consensus and unity; a reflection of our shared vision for a stable and peaceful country. It will be an opportunity to put to test our unfaltering efforts for human rights, including the rights of women.

3 - International and Regional Cooperation:

Key aspects of the outcomes of the Chicago and Tokyo conferences were not only about security, but political guarantees for the future. The international community and Afghans came together to build partnerships and ensure success in achieving our shared goals. The ISAF and General Assembly resolutions on Afghanistan reiterated global consensus for supporting transition and assisting Afghanistan in the long haul. We hope that this affirmation of international support will remain. As part of our long term partnership with the international community, we have entered into a number of bilateral and strategic partnership agreements. With the United States we are discussing the details of our security cooperation in line with our strategic partnership. Similar discussions are ongoing with our NATO partners on the scope and shape of a new training, advising and assistance mission. Early next month, President Hamid Karzai will visit the US at the invitation of President Obama. We look forward to the visit, which will go a long way toward addressing key issues of our long term partnership.

At the same time we see visible progress in relations with our neighbors and expanding the scope of and strengthening regional cooperation. Relations with Pakistan have taken a new form, characterized by confidence building. In recent months, contacts at high levels have helped us concentrate on concrete areas of cooperation including counterterrorism efforts, and strengthening the peace process.

We are also giving special focus to relations with other partners in the region. Regional cooperation is a crucial element of Afghanistan’s future peace and security, and is taking new shape as the Istanbul Process is swiftly moving forward. The Heart of Asia Kabul Ministerial Conference this past June marked the beginning of the implementation phase of the process. The conference emphasized the three key issues of political consultation, confidence-building, and the role of regional organizations for making progress towards a peaceful and prosperous region, characterized by joint cooperation. Seven confidence-building measures were identified, covering a wide array of fields, and a number of action plans have been developed for CBM implementation. We look forward to the next Ministerial Meeting of the Istanbul Process, to be held in Astana, Kazakhstan this coming April.

Mr. President,

Afghans see the Transition as an opportunity for an end to war, and a means for ensuring that stability and prosperity are realized. Transition is also about continuing our partnership with the international community, and fulfilling our commitment to a safer, more secure and prosperous future for the Afghan people. The Bonn and Tokyo Conferences were milestones in that regard, mapping out, and defining the nature of the long-term partnership between Afghanistan and the international community for the way forward. On the basis of the Mutual Accountability Framework, we will work to address remaining challenges though a more result-oriented cooperation, and with special focus on ensuring that mutual expectations are met.

In conclusion, we have come a long way in our joint endeavor. Eleven years later, Afghanistan is on its path to a new era, reasserting its status as a fully stable, prosperous and self-reliant country, able to meet the needs of Afghan citizens in all sectors. Afghanistan’s full realization of ownership and leadership is a shared goal between Afghanistan and its international partners, one which we must work towards jointly during the Transformation Decade.

Let me also take this opportunity to thank my good friend, Ambassador Peter Wittig and his team at the German Mission for the able manner in which they led the Council’s work on Afghanistan over the past two years.

Thank you.