Security Council Press Statement on Afghanistan Elections

 

The following Security Council press statement on the Afghanistan elections was read out today by Council President Thomas Mayr-Harting ( Austria):

The members of the Security Council acknowledged the conclusion of the electoral process in 2009 following the decision of the Independent Electoral Commission of Afghanistan to declare President [Hamid] Karzai elected President.  The members of the Council congratulated the people of Afghanistan on their determined, active engagement and participation in the elections, and commended the efforts of those who worked to ensure a credible process.  The members expressed their appreciation for the support of the international community including the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) and, in particular, paid tribute to the role of the Secretary-General, and his Special Representative and team.  The members also paid homage to all those who lost their lives during the process.

The members of the Council looked forward to working with President Karzai and his new Administration.  The members stressed the need for a renewed inclusive political process led by the Afghan Government, in accordance with the Afghan Constitution, in order to achieve national unity and a peaceful and prosperous future for all the people of Afghanistan.

The members of the Council reiterated their commitment to support Afghanistan on its path towards peace, reconciliation, democracy and reconstruction.  They called for the new Afghan Government to effectively address the issues facing the country, including security, good governance and the fight against corruption, as well as economic recovery, improving the livelihood of its people and the cross-cutting issue of counter-narcotics.

The members of the Council reiterated their condemnation of violent and terrorist activities by the Taliban, Al-Qaida and other extremist groups aimed at destabilizing the situation in the country, and reasserted that no terrorist act can reverse the path towards peace, democracy and reconstruction in Afghanistan.

The members of the Council took note of the information provided by the Secretary-General on measures undertaken in the interest of the security of United Nations personnel and welcomed the continued commitment of the United Nations and the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) to support the people and the Government of Afghanistan in their quest for peace, security and stability.

* *** *

For information media • not an official record