New York, Jan 6 2010 1:10PM
The Security Council discussed the situation in Afghanistan today, with Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon <"http://www.un.org/apps/sg/sgstats.asp?nid=4325">stressing the twin needs to strengthen the Government's role while coordinating "broader and more effective" international civilian efforts under the United Nations umbrella to spur economic and social development.
"Better coordination based on strong political willingness of donor countries and strong local effort is key to resolving the current situation," he said, citing insufficient political will rather than lack of structures or shortage of resources as the main obstacle.
"We need strategies that meet the requirements of building sustainable institutions to deliver services to the Afghan people and to develop the Afghan economy."
Mr. Ban welcomed the new approach by United States President Barack Obama "that seeks an optimal balance between military and civilian efforts" in the battled against the Taliban and other insurgents, and that would strengthen cooperation with the UN, and noted the international community's reaffirmed resolve to complete the task of erasing the terrorist threat.
He also hailed the priorities set out by President Hamid Karzai in his inaugural speech on his re-election focusing on security, good governance, ending corruption, achieving national unity and expanding cooperation with the country's neighbours to address drug-trafficking and other cross-border threats to stability.
"But if these strategies are to be implemented in an efficient and timely manner, the new Afghan Government must fulfil its far-reaching pledges. At the same time, the relationship between Afghanistan and its international partners must be re-evaluated," he said.
A high-level international conference on Afghanistan in London on 28 January "offers an important opportunity for fresh impetus, both to the international effort as well as that of the newly established Government in Kabul to provide greater stability and support to the security and developmental needs of Afghanistan," he added.
Turning to the current security threat – "the single biggest impediment to progress" – Mr. Ban noted that Taliban efforts to prevent people from participating in the electoral process also destroyed social structures and traditional security mechanisms, and he cited attacks against UN personnel and humanitarian workers, warning that more terror attacks could be expected.
"Afghanistan is at a critical juncture," he declared. "All key players – Afghan and international – have drawn important lessons from controversial experiences and missed opportunities. I appeal to both the Government of Afghanistan and the international community to make the best possible use of the next few months."
Jan 6 2010 1:10PM
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