GA/10884
Sixty-fourth General Assembly
Plenary
40th & 41st Meetings (AM & PM)
Eight Years after Taliban's Fall, Member States Remain Deeply Concerned by Ongoing Violence; Also Adopt Text Backing New or Restored Democracies
Deeply concerned about the deteriorating security situation in Afghanistan eight years after the fall of the Taliban, the General Assembly today adopted by consensus a wide-ranging resolution that urgently appealed to the international community to keep working with the Afghan Government to funnel all possible and necessary humanitarian, reconstruction, development and other types of assistance to the struggling nation.
Even as it welcomed the first elections run entirely under the auspices of the Afghan authorities and applauded the courage of Afghans who braved violent conditions to head to the polls in August, the resolution stressed the need for the Afghan Government and the international community to work closely together. Such cooperation was crucial to counter the challenges of terrorist attacks by the Taliban, Al-Qaida and other extremist and criminal groups that threatened the democratic process and the country's reconstruction and economic development, the resolution said.
Welcoming the efforts of the relevant institutions to address irregularities identified by the electoral institutions in Afghanistan "and to ensure a credible and legitimate process", the resolution also urged the Government of re-elected Afghan President Hamid Karzai to press ahead with "strengthening of the rule of law and democratic processes, the fight against corruption, the acceleration of justice sector reform [and] the promotion of national reconciliation."
As it had in previous years, the Assembly acted without a vote. This year's 16-page resolution touched on the expanding drug trade, the refugee situation, the advancement of women's rights, efforts to curb child and human trafficking, and the role of the private sector in producing long-term stability. The text also requested the Secretary-General to report back to the Assembly in three months on developments in the country and decided to include an item on the situation in Afghanistan on the provisional agenda of its sixty-fifth session.
Afghanistan's delegate said that eight years after the fall of the Taliban, "eight years after we all believed the national nightmare of the Afghan people had at last come to an end," violence still threatened the lives of Afghans in many parts of the country. Yet while the last eight years had been difficult, the situation in Afghanistan had nevertheless fundamentally improved.
Indeed, he said that while the international community had once debated "how to build what did not exist", now it was weighing how to improve what had been built: an effective Government, a well-trained army and police, and a productive economy. The Afghan flag now flew proudly across the country, which was a substantial accomplishment, he said.
The re-election of President Karzai had ended a period of uncertainty and the new Government would create and maintain two Compacts over the next five years, one with the Afghan people and one with the international community, he continued. The principal compact with the people of Afghanistan would zero in on national participation, reconciliation, "Afghanization," and tackling corruption. The resolution reaffirmed the Afghanistan Compact as the agreed upon basis for work by the Afghan Government and the global community.
For his part, the representative of Pakistan said the core of violence and conflict in Afghanistan emanated from terrorist groups, foreign militants such as Al-Qaida, and militant Taliban who were not prepared to reconcile and give up fighting. The nexus with drug traders was increasingly discernable. The key to long-term stability in Afghanistan was capacity-building of the country's security institutions. Equally important was building the civilian institutions at the central and subnational levels.
Stressing that Pakistan's economic and trade potential remain untapped without peace and stability in neighbouring Afghanistan, Pakistan's representative said it was time for multinational corporations to partake in development projects in Afghanistan. The growth and innovation of the international corporate sector over the last few decades had eluded Afghanistan and large-scale investments in mining, agriculture and infrastructure were necessary to promote development not only in those two countries but throughout the region.
The representative of the United States said the credibility of the new President and the Government would rest on their ability to deliver better security, governance, justice and economic progress to the Afghan people. "We stand ready to support the new Government in this regard," he added.
During the debate, many speakers praised the role of the United Nations in Afghanistan and expressed sorrow at the 28 October terrorist attack that led to the deaths of five United Nations workers in a guesthouse in the capital city of Kabul. While stressing the need for national ownership and regional cooperation in the country's development, the representative of Indonesia said the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) still played a crucial role in helping Afghanistan tackle the various challenges to its security and development.
Introducing the draft resolution, the representative of Germany said States were not deterred by the Taliban's recent "despicable" acts against the international community in Kabul and the resolution gave Member States the opportunity to renew their message of international solidarity with the Afghan people.
In other business, the Assembly adopted by consensus a resolution on support by the United Nations system of the efforts of Governments to consolidate and promote new or restored democracies. That text requested the Secretary-General to look at ways to strengthen the support provided by the Organization to such Governments. It also included support for the President of the Sixth International Conference of New or Restored Democracies to make the conference, as well as its follow up, more effective and efficient.
As host of the Conference, Qatar's representative introduced the resolution and said her country had set up a national secretariat and provided democracy training. The first celebration of the International Day of Democracy occurred on 15 September 2008 and she said the New or Restored Democracies Movement had been organized to function alongside the Assembly sessions. The resolution's text invited all interested parties to contribute actively to the follow-up.
Turning to the third issue on its agenda, the Assembly began its debate on the culture of peace and introduced four relevant draft texts. In a draft resolution called the International Decade for a Culture of Peace and Non-Violence for the Children of the World, 2001-2010, (A.64/L.5), the Assembly would invite Member States to observe 21 September as the International Day of Peace each year as a day of global ceasefire and non-violence.
In a second draft under consideration today, on Nelson Mandela International Day (A/64/L.13), the Assembly would designate 18 July as Nelson Mandela International Day, to be observed each year beginning in 2010. Introducing the resolution, the representative of South Africa recalled that during the dark days of apartheid, Nelson Mandela had said: "To be free is not merely to cast off one's chains but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others." His leadership through South Africa's most terrible and triumphant times was enough to make him an enduring hero in the country's history, he observed. Mr. Mandela's legacy, however, was even larger than that. Through his extraordinary actions and personality, he had become a moral compass that all could look up to.
In a third resolution on the Alliance of Civilizations (A/64/L.14), which aimed to promote a culture of peace, the Assembly would welcome efforts by the Secretary-General to promote greater understanding and respect among civilizations, cultures and religions.
Finally, by a draft text on the promotion of interreligious and intercultural dialogue, understanding and cooperation for peace (A/64/L.15), the Assembly would encourage States to consider initiatives that identified areas for action in all sectors of society for the promotion of this dialogue, as well as ideas suggested during the 2007 High-Level Dialogue on Interreligious and Intercultural Understanding and Cooperation for Peace.
Also speaking today on the situation in Afghanistan were the representatives of Sweden (on behalf of the European Union), Russian Federation (on behalf of the Collective Security Treaty Organization), Norway, Uzbekistan, Poland, Turkey, Kuwait, Canada, New Zealand, Iran, Italy, India, United States, Slovakia, Republic of Korea, Libya, the United Kingdom, Indonesia, Australia and France.
Also speaking on the issue of support by the United Nations system of the efforts of Governments to promote new or restored democracies were the representatives of Brazil, Mongolia, Venezuela, India, Togo, Maldives, Philippines and Benin.
Observers of the Inter-Parliamentary Union and the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance also spoke on this issue.
Following a statement by the General Assembly President, Bangladesh, Turkey, Spain, Philippines, Pakistan, Sweden (on behalf of the European Union) and Egypt (on behalf of the Non-Aligned Movement), addressed the Assembly on the culture of peace.
Bangladesh introduced the draft resolution on the decade of a culture of peace and non-violence for the children of the world, 2001-2010; Turkey and Spain introduced draft resolution the Alliance of Civilizations; and the Philippines and Pakistan introduced the draft text on the Promotion of Interreligious and intercultural dialogue, understanding and cooperation for peace.
The Assembly will continue and conclude its debate on the culture of peace at 10 a.m. Tuesday, 10 November.
Background
The General Assembly met today to consider three topics: the situation in Afghanistan; support by the United Nations system of the efforts of Governments to promote and consolidate new or restored democracies; and the issue of a culture of peace.
On the situation in Afghanistan, the Assembly had before it a Report of the United Nations Secretary-General on the situation in Afghanistan and its implications for international peace and security (A/64/364-S/2009/475), which reviews the activities of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) since the United Nations Secretary-General's report of 23 June (A/73/892‑S/2009/323).
According to the report, the results of the 20 August presidential and provincial council elections have not been certified yet, but the Independent Election Commission's success in opening, equipping and staffing thousands of polling centres was an achievement in itself, since it was the first time it had run elections entirely on its own, with support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). However, voting was unquestionably marred by irregularities, and a campaign of intimidation by the Taliban-stifled voter turnout, particularly in the south.
The level of alleged electoral irregularities has generated significant political turbulence, the report says, noting that the Independent Election Commission began issuing uncertified partial preliminary results as 25 August. The Electoral Complaints Commission ordered the Independent Election Commission to conduct an audit and a recount at numerous polling stations. It is important to allow time and space for those processes to work according to the law. The election results cannot be certified by the Independent Election Commission until all complaints have been adjudicated by the Electoral Complaints Commission.
Insecurity will continue to be a challenge and countering it will remain a priority for the new Government, the report states. Increasing the number of national and international security forces has failed over the past few years, and the recently-appointed Commander of the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) has begun to implement a new approach that ranks protecting the Afghan population as the highest priority. Human rights issues, in particular those of women, remain high on the agenda of concerns. Every presidential candidate referred to the need for a reconciliation process to end the insurgency. For the level and shape of such a process to be determined, establishing a coherent national strategy must be a priority of the new Government.
The United Nations Secretary-General observes that when the electoral process is completed, it will be of critical importance for the results to be accepted by all so that the election of Afghanistan's future President can be certified and a new Government formed. There must also be a decisive shift in relations between the Government and the international community. The Government must be determined to assume all the responsibilities of a sovereign State, and the international community must play a clear supporting role. A new "contract" between the Government and its people will be a critical component in that shift. The level of trust that a future Government can build with its people will have an impact on the level of support that Governments of donor and troop‑contributing countries receive from their constituencies.
According to the report, the new Government should demonstrate its determination and ability to address the main concerns of its people, including security, the rule of law and the need for sustainable economic and social development. The new Government will have to include a comprehensive agenda to build institutions and establish an agenda for sustainable economic growth based increasingly on Afghanistan's own resources. The fight against corruption and the culture of impunity must be key components in that effort.
The United Nations Secretary-General observes that, over the past few months, donor coordination has improved and there is a greater readiness to unite behind well-formulated national programmes. However, much remains to be done to bring the Government and the international community together around a clear, priority-based strategy. UNAMA will do its utmost to fulfil its mandate in that regard, but will need greater resources and specialized personnel, which Member States are urged to provide.
Also before the Assembly was the United Nations Secretary-General's report on Support by the United Nations system of the efforts of Governments to promote and consolidate new or restored democracies (document A/64/372), which describes initiatives by States, regional and intergovernmental organizations and the United Nations in that field. It highlights the Assembly's observance, on 15 September of each year, the International Day of Democracy, with effect from its sixty‑second session.
In light of developments over the past two years and efforts to evaluate how best to provide sustainable democracy assistance, the report makes five recommendations, the first of which is to ensure continued support for the International Day. Commemoration must be deepened, to include all levels of society, and broadened, to encompass activities in all corners of the world.
The report also recommends that two movements –- the International Conference of New or Restored Democracies and the Community of Democracies –- actively build synergies in their work, including through the establishment of mechanisms for coordination and strategic partnership. The 2006 International Conference, held in Doha, Qatar, encouraged partnerships to increase technical cooperation, including through exchanging experiences on issues of common interest. The Community of Democracies supported the 2005 Santiago Ministerial Commitment, "Cooperating for Democracy".
To ensure effective follow-up between conferences of new or restored democracies, the report notes the need to link such meetings to actual democracy‑building efforts on the ground. While the creation of the Advisory Board of the New or Restored Democracies Movement was a step in that direction, the conference process had to make better use of experience-sharing, especially from a South-South perspective. There was also a need to support the Movement's institutionalization, notably through the creation of national committees on democracy to coordinate national-level actions.
In addition, the report notes that the United Nations would continually consider how best to provide sustainable democracy assistance that builds on national capacities and nurtures a democratic culture, as demand for assistance on issues like capacity- and institution-building, elections and rule of law had grown. It would also improve its ability to take advantage of the "wealth" of analysis on democracy work outside the system. Finally, the report recommends improving the coherence of the United Nations democracy assistance through interactions with stakeholders, partners and the wider global community.
By a relevant draft resolution, Support by the United Nations System of the efforts of Governments to promote and consolidate new or restored democracies (A/64/L.12), the Assembly would request the United Nations Secretary-General to examine options for strengthening the support provided by the United Nations for efforts to consolidate democracy and good governance, including support for the President of the Sixth International Conference in his efforts to make the Conference and the follow-up more effective and efficient.
The resolution would also request the United Nations Secretary-General to submit a report to the Assembly at its sixty-sixth session on the implementation of the present resolution and to keep taking necessary measures, within existing resources, for the observance of the International Day of Democracy by the United Nations.
Turning to the issue of a culture of peace, the General Assembly had before it a Report of the Secretary-General on the Interreligious and intercultural dialogue, understanding and cooperation for peace (A/64/325), which highlights the activities carried out by key United Nations entities involved in the field of interreligious and intercultural dialogue and in the implementation of Assembly resolution 63/22. The report also provides an overview of other major regional and global initiatives take in this field.
It presents the outcome of consultations carried out by the Secretariat, in coordination with the United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural Organizations (UNESCO), on the possibility of proclaiming a United Nations decade for interreligious and intercultural dialogue. The report should be read in conjunction with the annual progress report of the Director-General of UNESCO on the International Decade for A Culture of Peace and Non-Violence for Children of the World, 2001-2010.
Also on this issue, the Assembly also had before it a Report from the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization's (UNESCO) on the International Decade for a Culture of Peace and Non-Violence for the Children of the World, 2001-2010 (A/64/312), which mentions that pursuant to UNESCO'S report, the General Assembly had commended it for recognizing that it had been summoned with a fundamental mandate: to promote a culture of peace, thus encouraging it to bolster its activities in that regard. The United Nations Secretary-General was asked to submit that resolution to the General Assembly's sixty forth session.
The report provides an overview of activities carried out by UNESCO alongside other United Nations entities, Governments and civil society. In line with the Programme of Action on a Culture of Peace, the report is divided into the following eight activities: fostering a culture of peace through education; promoting sustainable economic and social development; promoting respect for all human rights; ensuring equality between women and men; fostering democratic participation; advancing understanding, tolerance and solidarity; supporting participatory communication and the free flow of information and knowledge; and fostering international peace and security. The report also discusses the role of civil society.
The report concludes by encouraging United Nations funds, agencies and programmes to keep focusing on various dimensions of the culture of peace. It encourages Member States to place the funding of quality education at the top of their agenda and not use the global economic and financial crisis as an excuse to allocate fewer funds at the national and international levels.
The report also calls for stronger efforts to remove all forms of negative bias from textbooks and other educational media and to ensure a basic knowledge and understanding of the world's main cultures, civilizations and religions. It prompts schools to become more child-learning friendly, gender-sensitive and to promote the active role of learners in their communities. Lastly, the report calls for all levels of education to reach out to different segments of society, including women and girl-children through broader access via information and communication technologies.
In a draft resolution International Decade for a Culture of Peace and Non‑Violence for the Children of the World, 2001-2010 (A.64/L.5), the Assembly would invite Member States to observe 21 September each year as the International Day of Peace, a day of global ceasefire and non-violence, in accordance with resolution 55/282 of 7 September 2001.
Further, the text would request the United Nations Secretary-General to explore enhancing mechanisms for the implementation of the Declaration and Programme of Action and to submit to the Assembly at its sixty-fifth session a report on the implementation of the present resolution. It would also request the United Nations Secretary-General to submit to the Assembly, at its sixty-fifth session, a report on the activities carried out in the past ten years by UNESCO and other United Nations entities, Member States, and civil society to promote and implement the Programme of Action.
By another draft under consideration today, on Nelson Mandela International Day (A/64/L.13), the General Assembly would decide to designate 18 July as Nelson Mandela International Day, to be observed each year beginning in 2010. The United Nations Secretary-General would be asked to take the necessary measures, within existing resources, for the observance by the United Nations of the International Day.
a draft resolution The Alliance of Civilizations (A/64/L.14), the Assembly would welcome the efforts of the United Nations Secretary-General and his High Representative for the Alliance of Civilizations in promoting greater understanding and respect among civilizations, cultures and religions. It would also encourage Governments, international organizations and representatives of civil society to participate in the Third Forum of the Alliance of Civilizations, which will be held in Brazil in 2010, as well as the upcoming forums of the Alliance, which will be hosted by Qatar in 2011 and Austria in 2012.
Finally, by a draft text on the Promotion of interreligious and intercultural dialogue, understanding and cooperation for peace (A/64/L.15), the Assembly would encourage States to consider initiatives that identified areas for action in all sectors of society for the promotion of such dialogue, as well as ideas suggested during the 2007 High-Level Dialogue on Interreligious and Intercultural Understanding and Cooperation for Peace. It would request the Assembly President, at the sixty-fourth session, to hold an interactive thematic debate that included leaders of the world's major religions.
Further, the resolution would have the United Nations Secretary-General organize an event to celebrate the International Year for the Rapprochement of Cultures within existing resources, and to submit, at the sixty-fifth session, a report on the various initiatives on interreligious, intercultural and intercivilizational dialogue. That report is to include issues not included in his report to the sixty-fourth session, and on the possibility of proclaiming a United Nations decade on that topic.
Statements on Afghanistan
MARTIN NEY ( Germany), introducing the draft resolution on the situation in Afghanistan (A/64/L.8), said the global community was committed to supporting the Afghan people's efforts to shape their own destiny, establish sustainable peace and security and rebuild their country. Adoption of the text gave the Assembly the timely opportunity to renew its clear message to the Afghan people: one of international solidarity. Indeed, States would not be deterred by the recent "despicable" attacks by the Taliban against the international community in Kabul, and he paid homage to the innocent people who had lost their lives.
Turning to Afghanistan's first presidential elections run entirely under the responsibility of the Afghan authorities, he said the world had witnessed, with admiration, the courage of the Afghan people, who cast their votes despite serious security threats. He welcomed the conclusion of the presidential electoral process and congratulated President Hamid Karzai on his second term of office.
Extending his thanks to UNAMA and the security forces, he said the good performance of the Afghan media and election observers also deserved praise. He emphasized that President Karzai must now move swiftly to form a Government able to meet challenges. All political actors must be encouraged to respect the rule of law and take responsibility for the country's unity, and in that regard, Germany welcomed the President's most recent pledge to institute reforms and fight corruption. "We hope that effective measures, such as the strengthening of the anti-corruption commission, will be taken to ensure good governance and create an enabling legal and political environment", he said.
He said the draft before the Assembly was a well-balanced call to the global community to continue cooperation with the Afghan Government, as well as on the new Afghan Government "…to build a renewed relationship of trust with its citizens by achieving concrete and visible results…".
Turning to four elements that had been intensively discussed, he said all delegations had underlined the importance of protecting civilians. The text stressed that the Taliban, Al-Qaida and other extremist groups were responsible for the wide majority of civilian casualties, and also called on the security forces to intensify efforts aimed at ensuring civilian protection. That induced the continued review of tactics, procedures and conduct of after-action investigations.
Also, delegations had recalled the importance of upholding international obligations to advance women's rights, as enshrined in the Afghan Constitution. They also shared views on the prospects for internal political dialogue aimed at establishing sustainable peace. They agreed that the resolution should encourage the implementation of Afghan-led reintegration, reconciliation and transitional justice processes. The Government should accept the Afghan Constitution and work constructively, within its framework, for peace and security.
Finally, delegates welcomed efforts by the Afghan Government and its regional partners to foster trust, and encouraged further efforts to increase regional cooperation. The second Presidential election marked an important step in Afghanistan's democratic history and it was time for the Afghan people and the international community to both take stock and look ahead. In that context, France, Germany and the United Kingdom had suggested that the United Nations Secretary-General co-chair an international conference on Afghanistan. "If we want to succeed, it is of crucial importance that we jointly revisit our goals", he said: security, good governance, rule of law, human rights, and the economic and social development of the country.
Further, he said new, specific and measurable benchmarks should be agreed to establish a joint framework for the transition phase towards Afghan ownership. Germany would continue to support the Afghan people and cooperate fully with the Government, notably in reconstruction efforts. In closing, he fully aligned Germany with the European Union's statement.
ZAHIR TANIN (Afghanistan) said that eight years after the fall of the Taliban, "eight years after we all believed the national nightmare of the Afghan people had at last come to an end", violence still threatened the lives of Afghans in many parts of the country. The resolution before the Assembly today reflected an awareness of the international community's common responsibility to address the situation in Afghanistan and reaffirmed the membership's strong determination.
While the last eight years had been difficult, the situation in Afghanistan had fundamentally improved. Eight years ago, the international community had been debating how to build what did not exist: a Government, an army and police force, and a functioning economic and social life. Today, the international community was debating how to improve what had been built: how to have a good effective Government; a well-trained army and police; and a productive economy. The Afghan flag flew proudly across the country, a substantial accomplishment, he said.
Yet, he said, the progress had been insufficient and three opportunities had been missed: first, the chance to wipe out the Taliban, Al-Qaida and other terrorists who had been permitted to regroup and, as a result the situation had deteriorated markedly; second, the chance to properly resource and reinforce the efforts, as Afghanistan had been "starved for resources, attention and troops"; and third, the chance to rapidly empower and enable Afghans to take responsibility for their own destiny.
Thankfully, however, the Afghan Government and the international community had started to craft a common approach and the elections marked the beginning of a new chapter in the country, he said. The elections were held in difficult circumstances, yet voters risked their lives and millions voted. He called those elections "as free as possible, as fair as possible and as transparent as possible". The people of Afghanistan showed respect for the rule of law.
The re-election of President Karzai had ended a period of uncertainty and the new Government would create and maintain two Compacts over the next five years: one with the Afghan people and one with the international community. The principal compact with the people of Afghanistan would be focused on national participation, reconciliation, "Afghanization," and tackling corruption.
Security was at the core of all efforts and crucial for progress in other areas. Insecurity was a barrier to good governance or sustainable development and the single biggest threat to human rights, he said. "Insecurity prevents Afghans from putting aside their guns to concentrate on rebuilding their lives and breeds corruption, fear, hopelessness and despair," he said. Afghanistan's aim was not to kill every Taliban fighter but use political and military strategies to expand the reach of the Government, train the Afghan army and police and isolate the Taliban from the people while earning the people's trust.
Turning to the Government's Compact with the international community, he said that Compact should rest on the strong foundation of shared commitment to pursue security, development and good governance in Afghanistan and the region. He welcomed the call for an international conference to refresh and renew the partnership and build a solid foundation for future work. The recent attack on the dedicated United Nations workers in Kabul showed that the partnership was under external attack. It needed to be strengthened internally. The key to the country's future was in the hands of the Afghan people. He urged the international community to use today's resolution to demand more from everyone.
ANDERS LIDÉN (Sweden), speaking on behalf of the European Union, welcomed the conclusion of the presidential electoral process and congratulated President Hamid Karzai on a second term in office. The European Union supported the elections and the Afghan institutions responsible for conducting them, and would continue to do so. Lessons could be learned and the European Union stood ready to assist Afghanistan to review and improve its electoral system, notably with a view to elections next year. European Union Foreign Ministers, on 27 October adopted a plan for strengthened action in Afghanistan and Pakistan, which reflected the strategic importance attached to the region. His delegation would increase its efforts, notably through the contribution of technical assistance, and expected a credible Government that addressed major challenges would be formed without delay.
The Assembly's annual resolution on Afghanistan offered a chance to reaffirm international support to the Afghan people on their path towards peace, security and democracy, and the European Union was strongly committed to those efforts, he said. His delegation also would continue strong support for the United Nations Secretary-General and his Special Representative, despite the tragic loss of life during the recent suicide attack on United Nations personnel. In that context, the Union also supported the need to ensure the safety of United Nations staff and looked forward to discussing the United Nations Secretary-General's proposal.
In other areas, he looked forward to the Afghan Government addressing challenges by developing a reform agenda that included improving governance, combating corruption, addressing security and strengthening the rule of law. He also looked forward to the international conference as an opportunity for the new Afghan Government to lay out its priorities, and for the global community to reaffirm its engagement. New goals, benchmarks and timelines should be agreed.
For its part, the European Union was deeply involved in Afghanistan, he said, spending close to 1 billion Euros a year on civilian efforts and contributing 30,000 people to the ISAF. Maintaining security was a shared
responsibility between the Afghan National Security Forces and the international community, and the highest priority should be to enable those Forces to carry out that responsibility on its own. Building Afghan capacity and enhancing national ownership in the civilian sectors was at the core of the Union's engagement in the country, and it would boost support in the areas of good governance and rule of law, among others. Human rights, especially for women, had to be improved and the Union was ready to support the new Government in that regard.
Finally, he said the Afghan Compact, the Afghan National Development Strategy and the principles agreed at the Paris and Hague Conferences constituted the framework for political, social and economic development in Afghanistan. He supported the development of a coordinated approach at the regional level and enhanced cooperation between Afghanistan and its neighbours, especially Pakistan, and he welcomed progress made in the bilateral dialogue between the two countries. The European Union would work to strengthen State capacity to promote good governance, human rights and efficient public administration. While the Afghan Government bore the primary responsibility for its development, the European Union would continue to assist the country on its road to security and prosperity.
VITALY CHURKIN (Russia), speaking on behalf of the Member States of the Collective Security Treaty Organization, opened by saying that in recent years, the authorities of Afghanistan had attained progress in State-building and in the strengthening of democratic institutions. The recent presidential and local elections in the country had been an example and thus, his delegation expected that a new effective Government would be formed soon. Regarding the attack on the UNAMA, he decisively condemned it and called on the Afghan Government to guarantee security to the United Nations Mission and other foreign missions accredited in the country.
He went on to say that the new Afghan authorities would encounter unprecedented challenges, especially as positions of the Taliban were stronger than ever, and Al-Qaida activity was high. Further, much work remained to be done to rehabilitate the country's social and economic sectors. Security was still of key importance from the perspective of further formation and development of Afghanistan. Neither the Afghan authorities nor the international community could abandon efforts to isolate leaders of extremist groups, with the emphasis on those who are on the sanction list of the Security Council's 1267 Committee. A chance to return to normal political life should only be offered to those who would renounce violence and combat struggle, ties with Al-Qaida and the Taliban.
Turning to the commitment to the fight against drug trafficking, which financed terrorism, he regretted that international endeavours to fight illicit production had been ineffective. The international military presence in Afghanistan possessed all necessary tools for a more efficient struggle against that evil, and he stood for a more complex international cooperation to safeguard full-fledged implementation of resolutions 1735 (2006), and 1817 (2008), which aimed to specifically impose international control over the turnover of precursors
He said it was necessary to significantly intensify anti-narcotic efforts both in Afghanistan and around it by creating "belts of anti-narcotic and financial security." He touched on other issues, including the Collective Security Treaty Organization, which possessed vast experience to counter illicit turnover of drugs at the Afghan track, and said the number of countries participating expanded. He said that one of the most successful and efficient formats of practical interaction among the Collective Security Treaty Organization countries to cut short inter-regional and international supplies of drugs had been the "Channel Operation", which had obtained the status of a permanent anti‑narcotics operation last year. Participants in that operation were tasked with several objectives, including cutting short channels of illicit trafficking of Afghan opiates to the territory of Eurasian countries, of synthetic drugs from Europe and of cocaine from Latin America.
MONA JUUL ( Norway) observed that eight years had passed since the Taliban were defeated in Afghanistan. Although there had been some positive socio‑economic developments since then, to many Afghans, there was too little happening too late. The international community needed to ask itself where it could improve its performance, and in that, UNAMA could play a key role. The Government of Norway would welcome the unanimous adoption of the resolution on the situation in Afghanistan, through which the international community could send a message of a common wish for improved security, political stability and development for the Afghan people.
He said the Norwegian Government also welcomed efforts taken by the United Nations Secretary-General to protect United Nations staff, and was committed to helping the Organization continue its work in safety. That the United Nations had been hit so hard was tragic; it was crucial that the United Nations and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) adopt a long-term perspective, for which sufficient, predictable funding was needed. Indeed, only sufficient funding levels would allow UNAMA to implement its mandate effectively. She said: "We should not expect more from the UN than we are willing to invest."
On the presidential election, she noted that after a "lengthy and difficult process," a new Government would be formed soon after President Karzai's inauguration on 19 November. That new Government must demonstrate a genuine interest in fulfilling basic and crucial commitments towards the Afghan people as well as to the international community. Otherwise, it would risk losing support.
Aside from the Afghan people, the international community also had expectations and demands, to which President Karzai and his Government would have to commit themselves to on a larger scale. The new Government needed to take measures to combat corruption and the culture of impunity, improve governance at the local level, protect human rights and women's rights, improve security and improve the Government's capacity to deliver basic services. For its part, the international community must stand ready to assist.
AMJAD HUSSAIN B. SIAL ( Pakistan) said inseparable bonds of geography, history, faith and culture linked Pakistan with Afghanistan and no other country had suffered more than Pakistan from the consequences of the conflict and human tragedy in Afghanistan. "The people of Pakistan have shared the sorrow of their Afghan brethren. Therefore, in the prosperity of Afghanistan, we see our own prosperity," he said. Their common strategies and economic interests positioned Pakistan and Afghanistan to play to their rightful role as the hub for trade in raw materials, goods and energy among Central States, South and West Asia, and beyond. Pakistan's economy and trade potential remained untapped without peace and stability in Afghanistan.
Pakistan valued the presidential and provincial council elections recently held in Afghanistan and welcomed their outcome. He pointed to several examples of the cooperation between Pakistan and Afghanistan in the political, economic and cultural realms, such as the third regional Economic Cooperation Conference on Afghanistan, held in May. Pakistan was engaged in security and intelligence cooperation, including through the Tripartite Commission, which included the United States and the ISAF. It was essential to cement gains in the campaign against terrorism and extremism. To interdict illegal cross border movement, Pakistan had established 1,000 border posts and more than 100,000 troops were deployed on the Pakistani side of the border, he said.
Turning to the refugee situation, he said Afghan infants born in refugee camps in Pakistan during the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan had now grown to become fathers. Pakistan housed more than 3 million Afghan refugees for the last three decades and its enormous social, economic and security costs should not be underestimated. He stressed the need to strengthen reintegration programmes for refugees within Afghanistan's development strategy and expected the United Nations and international community to assist in this endeavour.
On the issue of security, he said the core of violence and conflict in Afghanistan emanated from terrorist groups, foreign militants such as Al-Qaida, and militant Taliban who were not prepared to reconcile and give up violence. The nexus with drug traders was increasingly discernable. He agreed with the United Nations Secretary-General's conclusion that the key to long-term stability in Afghanistan was capacity-building of the country's security institutions. Equally important was building the civilian institutions at the central and sub-national levels.
He noted that most of the global corporate sector's growth and innovation over the last few decades had eluded Afghanistan. The country was isolated from the global economy and it was time for multinational corporations and large enterprises to participate in project-developments in Afghanistan, particularly in mining, agriculture and infrastructure. The international community, particularly the developed countries, should leverage their potential behind these projects. Pakistan valued the role of UNAMA, which had an important role in coordinating a comprehensive international effort. Pakistan would welcome the enhancement of this role in the political and security fields.
MURAD ASKAROV (Uzbekistan), speaking in his capacity as Chair of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), regretted that the situation in Afghanistan continued to be defined by aggravation and escalation of confrontation, and intensification of terrorist actions by militants. To the extent that confrontation in that country remained one of the main sources of concern for the international community and a serious threat for Central Asia, Uzbekistan, as a neighbour of Afghanistan, realized that the achievement of peace and stability there was the key that would open possibilities for solving problems related to sustainable social and economic development of the entire region.
Noting the deep concern caused by drug trafficking as a source of financing for militants, and therefore of destabilization not only in Afghanistan but in neighbouring countries, he said the dynamics of the situation increasingly indicated that the Afghan problem could not be resolved by military means only. He acknowledged the measures undertaken by the ISAF, and in that context urged ISAF to comply with the international humanitarian law and human rights law and for all appropriate measures to be taken to ensure the protection of civilians. It was important that the deep historical and ethno-demographic roots of the multi-national people of Afghanistan, as well as that country's traditional and religious values, were fully respected in that regard.
Uzbekistan believed that peaceful settlement in Afghanistan was impossible to achieve without bringing Afghans themselves into that process. With that in mind, he was certain that without promoting national reconciliation and consent, strengthening of the vertical of the power it was not possible to significantly improve and to radically change the situation in the country. In that connection, he said that forming effective mechanisms of multilateral cooperation, capable of consolidating the efforts aimed at stabilization of the Afghan situation with the involvement of its neighbours, all interested States and international organizations would be crucial to the settlement of the country's acute problems.
In that regard, important steps had been taken by the SCO, he continued, pointing in particular to the outcomes of the special conference held under the auspices of the SCO in Moscow in March this year, as well as the cooperation between the Organization and Afghanistan being carried out under the joint Protocol signed by the SCO and Afghanistan on the establishment of the Contact Group in 2005 in Beijing.
ANDREJ TOWPIK ( Poland) aligned himself with the statement delivered by Sweden on behalf of the European Union. He supported the UNAMA's coordinating role, as led by the Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary‑General. He reiterated that Poland was still determined to stamp out all forms of terrorism, especially those that threatened Afghanistan's security and stability. He hailed the Secretary-General's recent efforts to step up security measures for United Nations staff.
Agreeing with the United Nations Secretary-General's recent assessment of the situation in Afghanistan, he praised benchmarks and indicators as tools with which to measure progress, hoping they would boost joint coordination. His country had kept a very close eye on presidential and provincial elections, which had been a milestone for security and State-building, he said. Civil society's participation in the election campaigns had paved the path for "cautious optimism," he added. Nonetheless, his country regretted a rise in violence and insecurity throughout Afghanistan, in the south in particular, aligning itself with the notion that an international presence there should be centred primarily on protecting civilians.
Poland had beefed up its overall military presence in Afghanistan with 1,600 more troops joining the ISAF operation in 2008. That included more training and work with a European Union-backed police force. He said Poland had also worked towards redefining effective civil-military cooperation. Furthermore, since 2002, it has been providing development aid to Afghanistan, with $12.5 million, five times more than the previous year, having being earmarked for 2009 alone. He said that joint global efforts would lead to progress in reconstructing and stabilizing the war torn country.
ERTUĞRUL APAKAN ( Turkey) said that Afghanistan was passing through a critical period, and that Turkey was hopeful for the future. "The situation may be difficult, but we have to continue working to assist our Afghan brothers and sisters," he said. The deliberate terrorist attacks against the United Nations during the recent electoral process should strengthen the determination to assist the Afghan people to establish a lasting peace and stability. Turkey condemned the terrorist attacks on 28 October and extended condolences to the United Nations family and family of the victims. He also shared the grief of the Afghan people.
He said the continuation of a strong United Nations presence was of utmost importance. Turkey trusted that the Afghan people would sooner or later achieve a peaceful and prosperous future. In that vein, the elections were an important threshold in the fight against terrorism and securing stability in Afghanistan. Elections were crucial, and while everyone knew it would not be easy, the most important thing was that the second elections in such a big country had been held. Ultimately, the exercise was a step in strengthening democracy. Now, the new Administration needed to embrace the whole nation.
Turning to the issue of Turkey-Afghan relations, he said that they were unique and based in deep historical and cultural bonds. Turkey participated in ISAF and an intensive assistance programme for the peace and prosperity of the Afghan people. It intended to further expand humanitarian operations. There was a need for a comprehensive approach including security, governance, rule of law, human rights and social and economic development. Therefore, four areas needed special attention: a comprehensive economic development with a visible impact on the living conditions of the people; a strong Afghan military and policy to lead in national security; an inclusive national reconciliation that would consolidate peace and stability; and a modern education and justice system to combat extremism. Regional cooperation was needed to accomplish the goals in Afghanistan; and thus, in April, the country hosted the Turkey-Afghanistan-Pakistan Third Trilateral Summit.
AICHA SALEM ALRASHOUD ( Kuwait) strongly condemned the recent armed terrorist attack in Afghanistan against United Nations employees, who were assisting election teams and contributing to the maintenance of peace and security. He also decried the targeting of United Nations missions, as that increased the number of victims among civilian Afghans, members of international assistance agencies and those providing humanitarian aid. Welcoming Security Council's resolution 1868 (2009), and the Council President's 15 July 2009 statement, Kuwait extended congratulations to Afghan President Hamid Karzai on his election and reaffirmed Afghanistan's sovereignty.
Stressing the importance of the United Nations' neutral role in Afghanistan, he noted progress in areas like demining, limiting opium cultivation and fostering the capabilities of the Afghan army and police forces. However, the rate of change in Afghanis' living conditions was still very slow and source of increasing disappointment. Strong ties between the drug trade and extremist groups seriously threatened security, the rule of law and development. As such, he appealed to all States, the United Nations and non-governmental organizations to provide all assistance possible in humanitarian fields, consistent with Afghanistan's development strategies.
In that context, he said Kuwait had contributed to Afghanistan's infrastructure reconstruction through the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development, which had given a $30 million loan. Some $15 million were dedicated for rebuilding the Kandahar-Sabook Baosaldat road and another $15 million for the Afghanistan Reconstruction Trust Fund. Also, the Kuwaiti Red Crescent Society had provided more than $6.5 million in recent years. With that, he expressed Kuwait's hope that the United Nations continue to provide assistance to the Afghan Government to consolidate peace and stability, which, in turn, would enable the country to resume a normal role in international affairs.
HENRI-PAUL NORMANDIN ( Canada) warmly welcomed the fact that this year's resolution on Afghanistan would be adopted by consensus, which reaffirmed the commitment of all the United Nations Member States to that country. The resolution expressed the hope and resolve that Afghanistan, with the support of the international community, would continue to make progress in achieving a better life for its people. Conscious of the challenges that Afghanistan and the international community faced, Canada had offered its condolences after the attack on the United Nations in Kabul, to families and friends of all Afghans, and others who lost their lives.
Despite the challenges, he noted progress in education and health care since the fall of the Taliban in 2001. With assistance from ISAF and the international community, the Afghan security forces have increasingly taken charge of their own security. He said that continued progress required a renewed relationship of trust between President Karzai, the Government and its citizens. The elections faced challenges, and Canada acknowledged the Independent Election Commission's decision not to hold a second round and commended the Afghan people who made their voices heard. "We look to the Government of Afghanistan to undertake serious, credible and visible efforts to improve good governance, combat corruption and promote and protect human rights," he said.
Canada had successfully transformed its efforts in Afghanistan into a fully‑integrated civilian and military mission, he said. In addition, Canada made progress on three signature projects: school building, rehabilitation of Dahla Dam, and child vaccination against Polio in Kandahar. Canada's stabilization operation aimed to increase security in Kandahar and increased stability in the pilot project village of Deh-e-Bagh by clearing insurgent elements, initiating basic infrastructure projects, and working with Afghan security forces. The tangible efforts were encouraging, but increased violence by insurgency attempted to derail reconstruction efforts. Thus, he called upon the international community to unite behind UNAMA and give it the necessary tools to continue its work.
JIM MCLAY ( New Zealand) welcomed progress made in Afghanistan since this time last year, and congratulated the Government on the holding of the first elections run entirely by Afghan authorities. Attention must now focus on creating a safe and secure future for the country, and to that end, he called on President Karzai to quickly form a new, inclusive and credible Government. Indeed, President Karzai should work to build a renewed relationship with his people by addressing deep-seated problems in security, governance, corruption, human rights, development, justice and narcotics. In particular, he urged the new Government to ensure that legislation passed immediately before the election complied with its international human rights obligations, notably those protecting women's rights.
Strongly condemning the recent attack on United Nations staff in Kabul, he agreed on the importance of protecting the Organization's personnel who were working in often dangerous environments. The security situation, especially in the south and east, hampered development by limiting the reach of the Afghan Government and humanitarian agencies. Afghan military and police capacity must be strengthened to deal with that deteriorating situation and he welcomed the ISAF Commander's renewed focus on training and mentoring.
For its part, the New Zealand Defence Force had led the Provincial Reconstruction Team in Bamyan Province for more than six years, he continued. That Team was building the capacity of the Afghan National Police to take responsibility for security in that province. New Zealand also had recently redeployed its special forces to Kabul to work alongside the Afghan Crisis Response Unit. In parallel, New Zealand was expanding its civilian assistance, with a focus on agriculture in Bamyan, and continued to support rural livelihood programmes, education and health services. While he welcomed recent progress, a sustained international commitment was still needed to help Afghanistan build a positive future. New Zealand was committed to playing its part.
MOHAMMAD KHAZAEE ( Iran) welcomed the recent presidential election and congratulated the Afghan Government and people for their active participation. The achievements of the past eight years had been hampered by the deteriorating security situation, which remained the biggest challenge. The increased insecurity suggested that, attempts made by the big Powers present in Afghanistan in the name of national reconciliation, to appease some extremist and terrorist groups were counterproductive and had only emboldened them. Peace and stability would only be achieved if the people of Afghanistan saw the international community's support show up in their daily lives, with the reconstruction of infrastructure, capacity –building, training, education and the development of important sectors, such as agriculture. Instead of dispatching more troops to the country, the Afghan National Army and Police should quickly be strengthened so they could control the country's security situation.
Turning to the drug situation, he noted that a recent assessment report of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) indicated Afghanistan remained the largest source of narcotic drug production. That menace adversely affected the country's security situation and required a multi-faceted and long‑term strategy. Iran had made many sacrifices to combat the drug problem and it expected the international community to become more seriously involved in the fight.
Resolved to overcome the difficult obstacles facing their country, the Afghan people needed the support of the international community. The upcoming conference on Afghanistan would give stakeholders another opportunity to reassure the Afghans as they worked towards stability, security and development. Like other neighbouring countries and the world, Iran had a vital interest in a secure, stable and prosperous Afghanistan. Iran had participated in projects to rebuild the country and held trilateral meetings at different levels with Afghanistan and Pakistan to boost the country's economic and development sectors.
On the refugee situation, Iran had extended its hospitality to more then 3 million Afghan nationals over the past three decades and there were nearly 1 million Afghan refugees registered in Iran. There was nearly the same amount of unregistered Afghans living in Iran, he said. Those Afghan nationals had enjoyed the same educational and welfare facilities in Iran as its own people enjoyed. Iran hoped the international community would help the Afghan nationals return home and create the conditions to ease their voluntary repatriation in a more timely manner.
GIAN LORENZO CORNADO ( Italy), aligning himself with the statement made earlier on behalf of the European Union, said his delegation welcomed and supported the resolution before the Assembly -- which would confirm the membership's strong, ongoing commitment to help Afghanistan on its path towards peace, stability, democracy and reconstruction -- and looked forward to its adoption. He thanked the German Government for its leadership during negotiations on the text. He also joined previous speakers in welcoming the conclusion of the recent elections, which were the first to be run entirely by Afghan authorities, with international support.
The people of Afghanistan and President Karzai were to be congratulated on the President's election, and the other candidates were to be applauded for running campaigns that addressed key issues and challenges, he continued. Efforts on the part of Afghan electoral institutions to address irregularities were welcomed, and any lessons learned must be remembered in forthcoming elections. He recalled a statement of the "Group of Eight" (G-8) Foreign Ministers on 3 November, in which the elections process was hailed for paving the way for "a new season of collaboration" between Afghan authorities and the international community, under United Nations leadership. Stronger cooperation among countries of the region was also key in promoting security and development.
He urged President Karzai to form a credible, qualified Government rapidly, for the sake of national unity. Its biggest challenges would be, among others, improving State and local governance, fighting corruption, promoting rule of law, justice and human rights, increasing accountability, and achieving progress on reintegration, security and stability. Italy was one of the largest troop‑contributing countries and its support remained unwavering, especially in fighting terrorism and the cultivation and production of narcotic drugs. Those goals were additional to promoting good governance and tackling acute socio‑economic problems. The Italian Government looked forward to participating in President Karzai's inauguration and, upon installation of his Government, to intensifying dialogue with Afghan authorities.
KHAGEN DAS ( India) said the successful conclusion of the first Afghan-led presidential and provincial-council elections marked a "major milestone" in Afghanistan's democratic evolution, and he congratulated President Karzai on his re-election. India appreciated the determination of the Afghan people who participated in that historic process and a new Government assumption of office would provide a fresh opportunity for a renewed international commitment to the country. While determining the contours of a new compact, he urged being mindful of experiences drawn from past compacts, notably those reached in London in 2006, and in Paris in 2008, which placed the duty for institution-building and governance on the shoulders of the Afghan Government without providing adequate resources for such efforts.
Among the challenges was the imperative need for security, as the Taliban and Al Qaida threatened everyone, he said. Asymmetric warfare was being mounted and civilians had been targeted in terrorist attacks. Indeed, security in Afghanistan would remain a distant goal without rooting out Al Qaida, the Taliban and other terrorist and extremist groups operating from within and outside of Afghanistan's borders. As such, the Afghan National Security Forces had to be enlarged and developed more quickly and in a professional manner. Also, they should be given resources, combat equipment and training, and he appreciated efforts being made by third countries in that regard. In the battle for hearts and minds of Afghans, tenacity was critical.
He said reconciliation efforts required strategic clarity and a unity of purpose. Without consensus among the relevant parties over key issues, divisions could be created. "Terrorism cannot be compartmentalized", he said. History suggested that attempts to strike "Faustian bargains" with terrorists often resulted in such forces turning on the very powers that sustained them in the past. Any efforts that weakened the Central Government's authority would be counter-productive, and he supported the Government's efforts to integrate those willing to live and work within the parameters of the Afghan Constitution. That should go hand in hand with the shutting down of sanctuaries provided to terrorist groups across the border.
A sustainable strategy to stabilize Afghanistan must be based on short-, medium- and long-term plans to address the development challenge, and he urged international resources to help the Afghan Government in that regard. Investing in Afghan human resources was crucial and a multi-pronged approach was required to rebuild the economic and social infrastructure, transfer skills and authority to Afghanis and enable them to take full ownership of reconstruction efforts. For its part, India had focused on development. Its commitment had surpassed $1.2 billion in various activities, including a cold storage plant in Kandahar and a 218-kilometre Zaranj-Delaram highway.
Finally, Afghanistan's stabilization must be a central part of regional processes if that country were to regain its role as the "crossroads" of South, West and Central Asia, he said. That included economic processes such as the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC). Trade must be expanded, not hindered. Given the turbulence of the past eight years, the Afghan Government should focus more on security, governance and development, and the international community should do what was possible to assist. All had an abiding interest in defeating the forces that sought to destroy achievements made since 2001. Afghanistan needed a long-term commitment and States must do their utmost to support the country.
RICHARD W. ERDMAN ( United States) joined others in co-sponsoring the resolution, which both recognized Afghans' progress in rebuilding their country and acknowledged that more work was needed. He recognized efforts by the Afghan Government and security forces to address challenges in security, governance, human rights and the rule of law. He also expressed thanks to the United Nations Secretary-General, his Special Representative, UNAMA and the ISAF for their shared commitment to the Afghan people.
He said the text highlighted the challenges posed by those who sought to disrupt efforts to build a prosperous stable country. The violent attacks by criminal groups undermined stability efforts and efforts of a representative Government. The resolution denounced them. The 28 October attack on a guest house in Kabul underscored the need to stand firm against violent efforts to undermine peace and stability.
The United States congratulated President Hamid Karzai on his election victory and all candidates that had stood in the second Presidential election, in particular, Dr. Abdullah Abdullah. Indeed, the election had been held under challenging circumstances, but the result was in line with Afghanistan's laws and Constitution. The credibility of the new President and Government would rest on the ability to deliver better security, governance, justice and economic progress to the Afghan people. "We stand ready to support the new Government in this regard", he said. With that, he called all States to redouble their efforts to work with the Afghan Government to promote stability and prosperity for Afghans, and peace and security for the region.
Aligning his statement with that made earlier on behalf of the European Union, MANUEL KORCEK ( Slovakia) said his country advocated massive engagement of the international community in Afghanistan in order to help the new Afghan Government take full responsibility for the country in the areas of security, stability, rule of law and development. He recognized the women and men of all nationalities, members of the United Nations staff and the many Afghans who had lost their lives fighting for a better, fear-free and prosperous future.
Slovakia was fully aware of its own responsibility for the situation in Afghanistan and had fulfilled its commitment in the military and civilian fields and was fully involved in the ISAF operation. Just five months ago, the Slovakian Government had extended its mandate of 262 Slovak military personnel to the country and was considering boosting the number of troops for reconstruction work.
Even though security was the primary precondition for the country's development, the international community could not wait until Afghanistan was secure to address the humanitarian situation. It was crucial to improve joint efforts to promote socio-economic reconstruction projects for the Afghan people's benefit, he said. Afghanistan had been a priority country of Slovak development assistance since 2003. For example, there were six bilateral development projects worth 850,000 Euros in 2009. This year, Slovakia had funded vaccines again polio, distributed in cooperation with United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) for 250,000 children in Afghanistan. He hoped the international community, led by the United Nations, would increase its multilateral efforts to assist the Afghan Government.
KIM BONG-HYUN ( Republic of Korea) looked forward to the adoption of the resolution on the situation in Afghanistan. The text was the result of a constructive and active negotiation among Member States, which represented their political will in support of the Afghan people in their political and national reconstruction process. In that vein, Republic of Korea joined the co-sponsorship of the resolution to add political will to international collaboration.
Continuing, he said that for the last few months, there had been an intense political situation unfolding in Afghanistan. "Sometimes we were encouraged by progress, and sometimes disappointed with setbacks." He was saddened and disheartened by the terrorist attack on 28 October, however, at the same time, they would not be deterred. He admired the courage of the Afghan people in participating in the electoral process and executing the constitutional process in one of the most difficult environments.
President Karzai needed to remember his Government faced the daunting challenge of reform and ensuring good governance in the country. The new Government would have to focus on national reconciliation and the President needed to reach out to different political leaders and ethnic leaders. The Korean Government contributed by launching a Provincial Reconstruction Team and supporting the exiting Korea Medical and Vocational Training Team in Bagram, Afghanistan. The decision was made according to the request of the Afghan Government and in accordance with other relevant resolutions of the General Assembly and Security Council. Lastly, he expressed shock by the terrorist attacks on 28 October and offered condolences. "This cowardly attack targeting unarmed civilians and workers of international organizations should not be condoned under any circumstances," he said, and urged the Afghan Government to take all the necessary measures to secure the safety of civilian workers in the country.
For information media • not an official record
