PRESS STATEMENT BY SECURITY COUNCIL PRESIDENT ON AFGHANISTAN

PRESS STATEMENT BY SECURITY COUNCIL PRESIDENT ON AFGHANISTAN

Following is the text of today’s press statement on Afghanistan by the President of the Security Council, Wang Yingfan (China):

The Council members heard the briefing by Under-Secretary General for Humanitarian Affairs, Kenzo Oshima, who introduced the report of the Secretary General on the humanitarian implications of the measures imposed by Security Council resolutions 1267 (1999) and 1333 (2000).

The Council members discussed the report.  They noted the conclusions and the recommendations therein, including that the sanctions have a limited impact on the humanitarian situation, and the persistent conflict is the main cause which led to the deterioration of the humanitarian situation.

The Council members noted that the humanitarian exemptions mechanism of the sanctions regime operated smoothly in general.  They appreciated further efforts by the Sanctions Committee to make the mechanism more effective.

The Council members expressed concern over the deterioration of the humanitarian situation; appealed to the international community to continue to make generous contributions; and emphasized the need to ensure the security and safety of humanitarian personnel and smooth operation of humanitarian activities.

The Council members expressed their intention to review this matter regularly.  Further work will be done within the Council and the Secretariat on a comprehensive strategy.

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