|
|
Mr. President,
We congratulate you and your team for ably guiding the work of Security Council for the month of December and thank you for convening today’s debate.
I would also like to thank Under-Secretary General Hervé Ladsous for his briefing.
Pakistan greatly values UNAMA’s role in coordinating a comprehensive international effort in Afghanistan. In the past, we had welcomed the enhancement of this role in political and security fields. We hope that the review of UNAMA’s mandate will enable the UN to make more meaningful contributions to peace and development of Afghanistan.
On its part, Pakistan is committed to peace, stability and development in Afghanistan. On 15th December, the honorable Prime Minister His Excellency Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani stated in the Parliament of Pakistan and I quote:
I would also like to reiterate that Pakistan, as a peace-loving country, remains committed to promoting stability and peace in our region, in particular Afghanistan.
We had, in all earnestness, extended a hand of friendship to the people and government of Afghanistan. As immediate neighbours and sincere well-wishers of the people of Afghanistan, we remain committed to promote the best of relations in all spheres”.
Mr. President,
In his report under consideration today, the Secretary General has termed Pakistan’s bilateral relations with Afghanistan “paramount in furthering peace, reconciliation and stability”. This is a valid observation. We are committed to peace, reconciliation and stability in Afghanistan.
Pakistan looks forward to contribute, as effectively as possible, in an environment free from recrimination and blame-game and on the basis of mutual respect and trust.
Speculative statements made in a knee-jerk reaction vitiate the atmosphere and erode mutual trust. Such blame-game must stop.
Pakistan cannot be held responsible for the problems and the challenges afflicting Afghanistan.
Afghanistan, the International Community and Pakistan must work closely and as responsible partners together in a cooperative manner and not rush to judgment or question each other’s intentions. It is imperative that we avoid references like one made by France earlier today which seek to find convenient scapegoats while continuing to miss the bigger picture.
We are not preaching something that we do not practice. Pakistan has never resorted to blame-game, even when militants cross over from the other side and attack our troops and innocent civilians.
Mr. President,
The attack on Pakistan border post on 26 November 2011, which resulted in martyrdom of 25 soldiers, was a grave incident. It constituted a transgression of Pakistan’s territorial integrity and a flagrant violation of the UN Charter.
As a result of the November 26 attack, Pakistan was constrained to absent itself from the Bonn Conference. While taking this decision, the Federal Cabinet of Pakistan had, and I quote: “expressed the hope that the international community will reaffirm its support for peace and development in Afghanistan at the forthcoming Bonn Conference. Pakistan looks forward to the success of this Conference”.
I will echo our Foreign Minister in acknowledging the invaluable contribution of Germany for peace in Afghanistan as well as the commitment of the German leadership to the cause, demonstrated in their efforts to host the Bonn Process.
We want the international community to succeed in Afghanistan because this success is in Pakistan’s own national interest.
I will be remiss if I do not congratulate Mr. Jan Kubis on his appointment as the new Special Representative of the Secretary General for Afghanistan. We assure him of all cooperation and wish him success.
Thank you.