President Karzai spokes at the United Nations General Assembly session on Tuesday September 25, 2012. As most leaders from Muslim countries did, he started with condemnation of the anti-Islam film and argued for limits to freedom of speech.
After President Obama's speech with its significant part focused on freedom of speech and the wave of violent anti-American protest demonstrations in the Muslim world, the pre-planned speeches of leaders from Muslim countries apparently came in contrast with the fundamental concept argued by Western leaders at the UN session.
It seems there is wide gap in understanding and agreement on scope of freedom of speech and expression, among the leaders of Muslim countries and rest of the world. Seeing the widely differing positions, it is high time the UN mobilize on this issue of great concern that has led our world so vulnerable and instable.
President Karzai highlighted the achievements of last ten years in Afghanistan and contribution of the international community. He once again reiterated that terrorism is not rooted in Afghan villages and towns. "It's sources and support networks all exist beyond Afghanistan's borders." He added that Afghans pay the biggest price in the war on terror and we must no longer be made to endure the brunt of the war.
Talking about the peace process and negotiations with the Taliban, President Karzai asked the UN Security Council to delist names of Taliban leaders from the 1988 Taliban's Sanctions Committee to facilitate the negotiations process. But for good reason, he mentioned the clear read lines saying that militants have to put an end to violence, cut ties with terrorist networks, and respect our Constitution.
President Karzai particularly mentioned the vital and positive role Pakistan can play in the peace process in Afghanistan with regard to the negotiations with Taliban.
President Karzai highlighted a good part of his speech on the plight of Palestinian people and how it is a "deep source of distress for Afghanistan". Good for PR, but our domestic issues are much more complex than the Israel-Palestine conflict. It is a good issue for PR that does not have its negative strings attached.
While talking about Palestine, President Karzai made aslight mention of the rocket attacks from Pakistan into eastern provinces. He said, "We are deeply committed to our brotherly relations with Pakistan, but we are aware of the challenges that may strain our efforts at building trust and confidence. Such incidents as the recent shelling of Afghan villages risk undermining the efforts by both governments to work together in the interest of our common security."