| Ambassador Nancy Soderberg Alternate United States Representative for Special Political Affairs Statement in the Security Council in Explanation of Vote on Afghanistan - Taliban Sanctions October 15, 1999 |
USUN PRESS RELEASE #75 (99)
October 15, 1999
TEXT AS DELIVERED
Statement by Ambassador Nancy Soderberg, Alternate Representative for Special Political Affairs of the United States Mission to the United Nations, in Explanation of Vote on the Taliban Sanctions Resolution, in the Security Council, October 15, 1999
On August 7, 1998, operatives of Usama bin Ladin bombed US embassies in Kenya and Tanzania, killing over two hundred citizens of America, Kenya, and Tanzania and wounding thousands more. Usama bin Ladin continues to threaten not only the safety of Americans all over the world, but also other citizens in countless countries who may become victims of his terrorist policies. With the passage of the resolution today, the United Nations – indeed the world community – takes a courageous step in combating international terrorism. It sends a direct message to Usama bin Ladin – and terrorists everywhere – you cannot run, you cannot hide, you will be brought to justice. I commend the Security Council for this milestone against international terrorism.
The United States attaches the highest priority to disrupting Usama bin Ladin’s terrorist organization and bringing bin Ladin to justice for his involvement in terrorist activities. Today’s action brings new pressure on the Taliban to turn over Usama bin Ladin to authorities in a country where he will be brought to justice.
The Taliban in Afghanistan continues to provide bin Ladin with safe haven and security, allowing him the necessary freedom to operate, despite repeated efforts by the U.S. to persuade the Taliban to turn over or expel bin Ladin and his principal associates to responsible authorities in a country where he can be brought to justice. Our information confirms that bin Ladin’s organization, working with other terrorist groups, continues actively to plan attacks on Americans and others. We also have reliable evidence that bin Ladin's network seeks to acquire weapons of mass destruction, including chemical weapons.
The United States has consistently expressed its concern with the policies of the Taliban. As this resolution makes clear, the Council shares our deep concern over the continuing violations of international humanitarian law and of human rights, particularly discrimination against women and girls. We are also disturbed by the significant rise in illicit opium production under areas of Taliban control and the deplorable treatment of Iranian diplomatic personnel and journalists in Mazar-e-Sharif. The Taliban’s actions pose threats to their neighbors and to the international community at large.
On July 5, President Clinton issued an executive order imposing economic sanctions on the Taliban because of the threat to our national security posted by their actions and policies. Today, the Security Council sent another strong message to the Taliban: Your continued harboring of Usama bin Ladin poses a threat to international peace and security. The international community demands that he be brought to justice.
This resolution gives the Taliban a clear choice: the Taliban have 30 days to turn over bin Ladin. If the Taliban do not turn over bin Ladin within that period, the sanctions will take effect. These sanctions are limited and targeted very specifically to limit the resources of the Taliban authorities. They will restrict foreign landing rights on aircraft operated by the Taliban, freeze Taliban accounts around the world, and prohibit investment in any undertaking owned or controlled by the Taliban. The resolution also establishes a committee to monitor implementation of the sanctions.
It is the earnest hope of the United States that the Taliban will cooperate with the international community in bringing bin Ladin to justice within this period and that we will not need to implement these sanctions. The choice between cooperation and confrontation with the international community rests with the Taliban.
These sanctions in no way harm the people of Afghanistan. We will work with the Sanctions Review Committee to implement them in a way that does not hinder the provision of humanitarian assistance to the Afghan people.