PRESS STATEMENT ON AFGHANISTAN BY SECURITY COUNCIL PRESIDENT

PRESS STATEMENT ON AFGHANISTAN BY SECURITY COUNCIL PRESIDENT

Following is today’s press statement on Afghanistan by Security Council President Bayani Mercado ( Philippines):

The members of the Security Council heard a briefing by Mr. Hédi Annabi, Assistant Secretary-General on the situation in Afghanistan.

The members of the Security Council welcome the holding of the Parliamentary (Wolesi Jirga) and Provincial Council elections on 18 September, the final milestone of the Bonn Process.  They commend the Joint Electoral Management Body for its dedicated efforts, and the people of Afghanistan for their determination and commitment to rebuilding their State through a democratic process.

The members of the Security Council hope that the ballot counting and certification process will be conducted peacefully in the coming weeks.  In this regard, they strongly call on all participants in Afghanistan to continue to work constructively towards the early establishment of the new Parliament.

The members of the Security Council express their appreciation to the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan, International Security Assistance Force, Operation Enduring Freedom coalitions, donor countries and all domestic and international observers for their contribution in the holding of the elections.

* *** *

For information media • not an official record