Statement by Ambassador Syed Akbaruddin, Permanent Representative at the Security Council Debate on United Nations Assistance Mission for Afghanistan (UNAMA) on 15 March 2016

Mr. President,
 

I thank you for the opportunity to participate in today's debate on the United Nations Assistance Mission for Afghanistan [UNAMA]. I also thank the Secretary General for his report, the SRSG Nicholas Haysom for his briefing and Ambassador Mahmoud Saikal of Afghanistan for statement.
 

2.       Taken cumulatively, these portray the ongoing saga of the trials and tribulations that the Government and the brave people of Afghanistan face. The distress signals are unremitting - a worsening security situation; an increase in the tempo of insurgent activities; a greater toll of civilian casualities; and a deteriorating humanitarian situation. All point to the need for greater engagement by the international community in support of the efforts of the Government of Afghanistan. 
 

3.    Just last week, during an interaction in another part of this building Chief Justice Abdul Rasheed Rashid of Afghanistan explained the distressing     circumstances confronting him were such that for long he had not even been able to enjoy the simple pleasures of life - like going out for a walk - something that we all take for granted. 
 

4.    The Secretary General's report confirms the worrisome security situation. It is alarming that there have been more than 11,000 documented civilian causalities in 2015. Another disturbing development is the expansion of the Taliban's territorial reach.  Also, the efforts to incite ethnic violence and conflict are indeed serious developments.  We urge the Security Council to look into the security situation and the means to contain it with a sense of urgency.  
 

Mr. President
 

5.    Groups and individuals that perpetrate violence against the people and Government of Afghanistan cannot be allowed to exercise control or wield influence over any part of Afghanistan's territory, as it would pose serious threats to the gains of the last 15 years.

6.     The effective implementation of the UNSC's Sanctions regime including the 1267 ISIL/ Al-Qaida Sanctions regime and the 1988 Taliban Sanctions regime is a tangible measure that will go a long way in imposing restrictions on the listed entities/ individuals' movements, assets and arms embargo.
  
Mr. President
 

7.    As Afghanistan's friend, neighbor and a country of the region India is working to support the Afghan Government and people in accordance with their priorities and national circumstances.
 

8.     The Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi visited Afghanistan on 25 December 2015.  During the visit, along with President Ashraf Ghani he jointly dedicated to the Afghan nation the National Assembly Building constructed under India-Afghan Development Cooperation. The Parliament complex is a symbol of the resolve of Afghanistan to shape its future through votes and debates and the belief that terror and violence cannot be the instrument to shape Afghanistan's future or dictate the choices the people of Afghanistan make. Following this visit, Chief Executive Abdullah Abdullah visited India in January-February 2016. These visits reflect the blossoming with a renewed vigour and vitality of India's cooperation with Afghanistan. 
 

9.    India also is steadfast in support for Afghanistan in plurilateral and multilateral fora and will host the next Ministerial Meeting of the Heart of Asia process later during the year.
 
Mr. President, 
 

10.     While the brave Afghan National Defence and Security Forces are doing their utmost in fighting the forces of terrorism and extremism with courage and resilience, India extends its full support to Afghanistan for strengthening its defensive capabilities for preserving Afghanistan's unity and territorial integrity.  We stand ready to collaborate with Afghanistan to expand the training opportunities for Afghan National Defence and Security Forces in relevant Indian institutions, based on the requirements of Afghanistan. 

Mr. President, 
 

11.    Afghanistan will be able to achieve its optimum economic potential if it is allowed the freedom of transit to major markets of South Asia.  We are working with Afghanistan and Iran to develop trilateral transit and participation in the development of the Chahbahar Port which will augment our connectivity with Afghanistan.  
 

Mr. President,
 

12.    We support the Afghan government-led reconciliation process which respects the redlines drawn by the people of Afghanistan and the international community, i.e. the groups and individuals to be reconciled must give up violence and abide by the Constitution of Afghanistan.
 

Mr. President,
 

13.    We welcome the resolution extending UNAMA's role in assisting Afghanistan's political and economic reconstruction process as it is uniquely placed to coordinate the international community's efforts in Afghanistan.
 

Mr. President, 
 

14.    On our part, India will continue to stand steadfastly with Afghanistan during its Transformation Decade and would do our utmost to support the valiant efforts of the people and the Government of Afghanistan towards peace and stability.  
 

I thank you Mr. President