Secretary-General welcomes Japan’s decision to resume support

for Afghanistan operations

The following statement was issued on Friday, 11 January, by the Spokesperson for UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon:

The Secretary-General notes the challenges that Afghanistan and the international community have faced in 2007, and is thankful to all those Member States contributing troops and assets to the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force and international forces in Afghanistan.  In this context, he welcomes in particular the decision by the Government of Japan, on 11 January 2008, to resume its activities in support of these operations, which, together with Afghan security forces, are assisting the Government of Afghanistan to bring security and development to its people.

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For information media • not an official record