Statement by Ambassador Susan E. Rice, U.S. Permanent Representative to the United Nations, on the Adoption of Resolutions 1988 and 1989

Susan E. Rice
U.S. Permanent Representative to the United Nations 
U.S. Mission to the United Nations 

New York, NY

June 17, 2011

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Today, with the adoption of two new resolutions, the Security Council has taken important steps to respond to the evolving and distinct threats posed by al-Qaeda and the Taliban.  The United States welcomes the decision to create a new sanctions regime targeted against extremists in Afghanistan and also to refocus the 1267 sanctions exclusively on the threat posed by al-Qaeda.  Today’s action shows that the Security Council can adapt flexibly to evolving threats. 

The United States remains committed to disrupting, dismantling and defeating al-Qaeda using every weapon at our disposal. We appreciate the important role the UN sanctions play in this effort.  Al-Qaeda clings to a bankrupt ideology and stands as an enemy of the entire international community; thus its members will continue to face tough and comprehensive sanctions.  By limiting the 1267 regime to those associated with al-Qaeda, the Security Council has strengthened and focused its preeminent counter-terrorism tool.  Resolution 1989 will allow the 1267 Committee to custom-tailor its response to the unique and persistent threat posed by al-Qaeda. 

The United States believes that the new sanctions regime for Afghanistan will serve as an important tool to promote reconciliation, while isolating extremists.  Resolution 1988 sends a clear message to the Taliban that there is a future for those who separate from al-Qaeda, renounce violence and abide by the Afghan constitution.  We look forward to working with the Government of Afghanistan, other concerned Member States, UNAMA, and the Monitoring Team, to ensure that this new regime is fully implemented and remains responsive to events on the ground in Afghanistan.

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