SECURITY COUNCIL PRESS STATEMENT ON AFGHANISTAN

 

The following is a press statement issued today by Security Council President Kenzo Oshima ( Japan):

The members of the Security Council received briefings from Tom Koenigs, Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Afghanistan, and Antonio Maria Costa, Director-General of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC).

The members of the Security Council recalled the progress that Afghanistan had made since the fall of the Taliban, and the efforts of the Government of  Afghanistan and the international community to foster a sustainable, stable and prosperous democracy for the people of Afghanistan.

The members of the Security Council remained concerned by the security situation in Afghanistan, in particular in the south and south-east, as the Taliban, Al-Qaida and other extremist elements seek to disrupt the work of the Afghan National Security Forces and the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) to underpin the extension of Afghan Government authority throughout the country.  They regretted casualties suffered by Afghan civilians, Afghan National Security Forces, ISAF and Operation Enduring Freedom, who have been targeted by violent and terrorist activities of the Taliban, Al-Qaida and other illegally armed groups.  They expressed concern at the implications of the security situation.   They reaffirmed the continuing importance of combating increased terrorist attacks with all available ways, means and measures as outlined in relevant Security Council resolutions.  They also expressed concern at the recent increase in the cultivation and trafficking of opium within Afghanistan, and reaffirmed their commitment to supporting the Afghan Government in implementing its national drug-control strategy.

The members of the Security Council expressed their belief that continuing to build sound and resilient institutions, including reform of the security sector, strengthening of the rule of law and fight against corruption, will provide solutions to long-term problems in the interconnected areas of security, governance and development, as well as on the cross-cutting issue of counter-narcotics.  The Afghanistan Compact provides a viable framework for the engagement by the Afghan Government and international community in institution-building and other reconstruction work in Afghanistan.

The members of the Security Council reiterated, in this context, their continued support for the activities of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) and other United Nations organs in Afghanistan.  In particular, they welcomed the fact that the Joint Coordination and Monitoring Board had begun to work on delivering improved coordination of the international community’s engagement in Afghanistan, thereby facilitating the effective implementation of the Compact.  They also welcomed the extension of UNAMA's presence in new provinces which would help the United Nations fulfil its essential coordinating role.

The members of the Security Council welcomed efforts by the Governments of Afghanistan and its neighbouring partners to foster trust and cooperation with each other, and looked forward to increasing cooperation between Afghanistan and the partners against the Taliban, Al-Qaida and other extremist groups, and in promoting peace and prosperity in Afghanistan.

The members of the Security Council affirmed their willingness to send a Security Council mission to Afghanistan at an appropriate time, possibly in November this year, to review the situation on the ground and to give Afghanistan and its people a message of assurance of the Council's continuing commitment.

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For information media • not an official record