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Press release – UN Seminar on Assistance to Palestinian People (Helsinki, 28-29 April 2011)

April 29, 2011 By

The UN Seminar on Assistance to the Palestinian People in Helsinki was held on 28 and 29 April 2011. The Seminar was organized by the Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People, aiming to review the progress of and garner further support for the Programme of the Palestinian Authority in their pursuit and aspiration to end the occupation and establish the State of Palestine. H.E. Dr. Zahir Tanin, Permanent Representative of Afghanistan to the United Nations, participated and chaired meetings as Vice Chair of the Committee.

The focus of discussions was on the current socio-economic situation in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, highlighting the urgent need for relief and reconstruction in the Gaza Strip.  The sessions considered approaches to advancing the Palestinian State-building programme, including ways to address political challenges.

United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon emphasized in his message, delivered by Rima Khalef, Under-Secretary-General and Executive Secretary of the UN-ESCWA, the urgency of a firm re-launch of negotiations between Israel and Palestine.  He said, “time is of the essence (…) the institutional achievements of the Palestinian state-building programme are approaching their limits within the political and physical space currently available.” The Secretary-General encouraged the parties to persist in their goal of resolving all final status issues so that a two-State-solution can be implemented. “In this regard, Israel’s continued settlement activity in the West Bank, including in East Jerusalem is unacceptable” the Secretary General pointed out.

On Friday, 29 April 2011 H.E. Dr. Tanin chaired the first session, Plenary II on “Looking ahead: Developing sovereign institutions and creating a sustainable Palestinian economy”.  The aim of this meeting was to discuss the extent to which the accountability and efficiency of the public sector within the Occupied Palestinian Territory has improved; whether an enabling environment for robust private sector-led growth has been created; what role women in socio-economic development are playing; the importance of investing in youth through education; and the role of the donor community.

In addition to the official seminar meetings, Ambassador Tanin met with the Director General of the Department for the Americas and Asia, Ms. Elina, Kalkku; the Director General of the Political Department, Mr. Teemu Tanner; and the Director General for the Department for Africa and Middle East, H.E. Ms. Kirsti Kauppi.

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Hosts Ambassadorial Conversation on “Afghanistan and its Neighborhood” at Fairleigh Dickenson University

April 8, 2011 By


On 6 April, the Fairleigh Dickinson University, Teaneck Campus, co-organized an event with the United Nations Ambassador’s Club entitled, “Afghanistan and its Neighborhood.”  H. E. Zahir Tanin, Permanent Representative of Afghanistan to the United Nations was a guest speaker. The founder and CEO of the foundation, Ambassador Ahmad Kamal requested Ambassador Tanin’s presence to shed light on important topics concerning Afghanistan and the region. The esteemed former Ambassador of Pakistan, Ambassador Kamal had not only organised the event but also chaired the session. During an ‘informal conversation’ setting, Ambassador Kamal and Ambassador Tanin discussed a broad range of topics including Afghan history, its relationship with the region, particularly Pakistan, and the future direction of the country. The event was well attended by an audience of 110 diplomats, students and faculty staff and was followed by a formal dinner in honor of Ambassador Tanin.

A common theme from the discussions was the emphasis that despite their many differences, Afghans and Pakistanis have much shared culture and language.  Ambassador Tanin described the historical divisions during the time of the Cold War, the political context that led to the rise of the Taliban, and the further strategic divide between the two countries.  However, he mentioned the importance of realizing the potential for cooperation throughout the region.

Questions from audience members focused on the role of the US in Afghanistan.  Ambassador Tanin spoke with certainty, “we’d like to see an America that helps us stand on our own feet.”  He acknowledged that the US and Afghanistan hold dialogue in order to further develop and improve their strategic partnership, and that this communication is both “frank and friendly.” When asked about how Afghans view the American presence there, Ambassador Tanin pointed out that there are a range of views within the country, and that many Afghans want international involvement in the country, but also that “any action, whether by the Afghan government or international forces” can have an effect on public opinion.

In response to further audience questions, Ambassador Tanin argued that women’s education is of crucial importance, and that corruption must be addressed, but that the war has been an obstacle in overcoming this issue. He emphasized the need to work for a lasting peace in Afghanistan and responded to questions about the negotiation process. “We need to end this war,” he said, “it cannot be done in only a military way.  A reconciliation is needed.”

During the formal dinner following the conversation, the Provost gave a warm welcome to Ambassador Tanin.  An Afghan student from the university gave thanks on behalf of the student body, describing that he had listened to Ambassador Tanin as a former BBC journalist in Afghanistan many years ago.

United Nations Security Council Debate on The Situation in Afghanistan

March 17, 2011 By

Statement by H.E. Dr. Zahir Tanin

Ambassador and Permanent Representative of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan

at the Security Council Debate on The Situation in Afghanistan

Mr. President,

At the outset, I congratulate you for assuming the Presidency of the Council. I also wish to thank the Secretary General for his report on the Situation in Afghanistan, and extend a warm welcome back to the Council to my good friend, Special Representative Staffan de Mistura.

I also take this opportunity to express deepest sympathies, on behalf of the Government and people of Afghanistan, to the people and Government of Japan, for the tragic loss of life and destruction from the earthquake and Tsunami this past week.  We stand beside the friendly peoples of Japan as they recover from that tragedy.

Mr. President,

As we come together today to discuss the situation in Afghanistan, the country embarks on transition to full Afghan sovereignty, national ownership and leadership in an effort to realize the noble vision of a secure, democratic, and prosperous nation – one that is able to meet the needs of its citizens independently. We in Afghanistan know that transition is no easy task, but achievable with our determination and unity, and the sincere support and commitment of the international community.

The logic of transition will guide the way forward over the next four years. During this time, Afghanistan is determined to assume full responsibility at all levels, in order to provide Afghans with security, opportunities for social and economic progress, and the benefits of a society governed by the rule of law.

Mr. President,

The role of the international community in supporting the transition will remain essential for our success.  In London, Kabul and Lisbon, the international community endorsed, and committed to supporting the transition towards Afghan ownership and leadership. Over the next four years, the international community’s role in Afghanistan will revolve around the needs and requirements of the transition process.

Mr. President,

Today’s meeting comes on the eve of the renewal of UNAMA’s mandate.  As the lead international civilian coordinator, the role of the United Nations in Afghanistan over the transition period and beyond will remain crucial. We convey our appreciation for the resolute commitment of all UN staff working under difficult conditions to help meet the aspirations of the Afghan people. As we prepare to officially commence the transition process on the 21st of March, we look to the UN as a key partner in the way forward.

Mr. President,

Afghanistan cannot stand on its own feet if its state institutions remain weak and undermined by various parallel structures, and if its capacity is not strengthened. So, Mr. President, securing Afghanistan is first and foremost about Afghan ownership and leadership; about taking responsibility; and about operating effectively to achieve sustainable progress. This is our ultimate goal to which we are firmly committed.

In the past weeks, we have been engaged in discussions about how UNAMA’s mandate should evolve, in light of transition.  In that regard, on the First of March, the Foreign Minister of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, H.E. Dr. Zalmai Rassoul sent a letter to the Secretary General on behalf of the Afghan Government, in which he underscored three main requests:

First, a comprehensive review of the UNAMA mandate and the role of the UN in Afghanistan, to be conducted, in consultation with relevant stakeholders, within the next six months.  In subsequent weeks we have agreed that such a review will be done before the Bonn Conference at the end of 2011.

Second, greater coherence, coordination, and efficiency in the work of UN funds, programs, and agencies operating in Afghanistan towards “One United Nations.” Such an approach, bringing each of the UN’s entities together in synergy, is necessary for an efficient and successful transition in the country.

And third, a reshaping of this year’s UNAMA mandate around the transition. To this end, Mr. President, the Government of Afghanistan proposed the following adjustments to the mandate:

1. Transition must be the Central Focus of UNAMA.  A UN mandate that is centered on transition objectives would facilitate a smooth shift to Afghan ownership and leadership. The underlying imperative to transition full responsibility for security, governance, and development to Afghan leadership by the end of 2014 should guide the work of UNAMA and the SRSG.

2. Emphasis must be placed on UNAMA’s responsibility as the co-chair of the Joint Coordination and Monitoring Board (JCMB) to promote coherence in the international community’s support for the Afghan-defined and Afghan-led development strategy.

3. We stress the need to increasingly channel aid through the Afghan budget, and align it with our Afghan National Priority Programs.  We are convinced that this will lead to more effective and efficient utilization of development assistance.

4. UNAMA plays a crucial role in improving civil military coordination with ISAF. This role, however, should be recalibrated to reflect the aim of the transition process in order to support Afghan-led stabilization efforts.

5. National ownership of the reintegration and reconciliation process is necessary. We are reaching out to all Afghans who are willing to renounce violence and join the peace process. The peace and reconciliation process is Afghan-led and could benefit from support and good offices of UNAMA if requested by the Afghan government.

6. The Afghan government must have ownership of the election process, based on the clear requirements of the Afghan constitution and principle of Afghan sovereignty. In line with the Kabul and London Communiqués, the Government of Afghanistan is fully committed to electoral reform as a measure to ensure sustainability for the democratic process, one which is national in nature and should be addressed by the citizens of Afghanistan. We welcome the availability of UNAMA in helping with capacity building and technical assistance for electoral law if requested by the Government of Afghanistan. Last year’s elections in Afghanistan cost hundreds of millions of dollars, a cost which is not sustainable for an Afghan-led democratic process over time. The election process in Afghanistan must be effective and sustainable; this is only possible through Afghan ownership.

7. A reassessment of UNAMA’s work throughout the country is necessary. While the presence of UNAMA’s offices in eight regional zones remains important, the number, location and TOR of UNAMA’s offices in other provinces should be looked at within the comprehensive mandate review.  This will help encourage Afghan institutions to end the culture of dependence; avoid unnecessary security risks for the UNAMA staff; and streamline funding for the relevant UN agencies in the country.

8. UNAMA’s role in supporting the efforts to enhance governance and rule of law would be achieved best through strengthening the effort of the government of Afghanistan, in accordance with the Kabul Process. This is why we request that all efforts be made toward strengthening the Afghan government’s capacity.

9. The coordinating role of UNAMA in delivering humanitarian assistance in accordance with humanitarian principles is crucial. However, in the way forward, the focus must be on strengthening the central coordinating role of the government of Afghanistan, consistent with the goal of Afghan ownership.

Mr. President,

The realization of our requests, will not only facilitate a more efficient UN in years to come, but also a government functioning with greater confidence in its ability to become self reliant.

Ten years after the Bonn Conference, Afghanistan is adamant in its decision to take responsibility for its country and people. This is a process that will not happen overnight, but over time. Throughout the four-year transition to Afghan leadership and ownership, and beyond, the enduring partnership between Afghanistan and the international community, the UN and other partners will remain crucial. The transition is not an end to the relationship between Afghanistan and the international community, but the beginning of a new chapter in an evolving partnership.

Mr. President,

We must end the war and violence in Afghanistan. The time has come to ensure that Afghans have the chance to live in peace – free from the threat of violence and sufferings endured for many years. The war against terrorism will not be won without the confidence and support of the Afghan people. While most of the civilian casualties are caused by the Taliban and Al-Qaeda, incidences of loss of innocent life during military operations have increased. However, our moral obligations place a heavy burden on us to make the protection of civilian lives priority number one. Civilian casualties must end and additional measures must be taken to prevent harm to civilians.

We all have come to realize that war and violence cannot be ended through military means alone. That is why we continue to reach out to all those who want to join the peace process. The support of the international community and our enduring partnership is essential for this process and for success in Afghanistan. Afghans are determined to work toward their own destiny. Let us renew our efforts to achieve peace and prosperity in the country through the transition and beyond.

I thank you.