Adopting Resolution without Vote, General Assembly Lauds Afghanistan’s First Democratic Transfer of Power, Establishing Unity Government
Afghanistan, which this year saw the first democratic transfer of power from one president to another, had great potential, through its new unified Government, to serve as a hub for connectivity and trade across Asia and thus enhance the development and prosperity of the entire region, delegates heard today as the General Assembly unanimously adopted a draft resolution on the situation in that country.
The elections and transition were “a major accomplishment and an important step towards achieving a peaceful, sovereign and prosperous Afghanistan,” the representative of Afghanistan said, expressing his appreciation for Member States’ support of the resolution. More so, establishing a Government of national unity had generated an atmosphere of broader political inclusivity and participation. Afghans from all walks of life would be able to contribute to the country’s economic and social development, and thus, peace and security in the region.
The newly elected President and the Government were vigorously pursuing a comprehensive reform programme focused on eliminating corruption, enhancing democratic accountability, governance and rule of law, and promoting economic growth and social development, he said. Also being pursued was regional cooperation, which was not only key to peace and security, but also to prosperity in his country and the wider region. His Government was committed to deepening cooperation with its neighbours and regional partners. “Doing so would open the doors to a flourishing continental economy in the heart of Asia,” he said.
The 103-paragraph resolution targeted the areas of security and transition; peace, reconciliation and reintegration; governance, rule of law and human rights; social and economic development; regional cooperation; counter-narcotics and coordination. By the text, the Assembly pledged its continued support to the Government and people of Afghanistan and encouraged all partners to support the Kabul process, building upon a deep and broad international partnership towards further increased Afghan responsibility and ownership in security, governance and development.
Also by the text, the Assembly reiterated once again its serious concern about the security situation in Afghanistan and stressed the need to continue addressing the threat to security and stability caused by ongoing violent and terrorist activity by the Taliban, Al‑Qaida and other groups. All Member States were asked to deny those groups any form of sanctuary or financial, material or political support.
Heiko Thoms (Germany), introducing the draft, said that the text reflected this year’s seminal developments in that country, such as the conclusion of presidential and provincial council elections, as well as the incoming security transition. The text also underlined the commitment of the international community, including the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and its partner countries, to support the Afghan security forces beyond transition.
Pakistan’s delegate said his country and Afghanistan had resolved to forge robust economic partnerships to expand trade, promote investment, improve infrastructure, build road and rail links, and generate energy. They would also jointly counter the threats of terrorism, violent extremism, transnational crime and a precarious security environment. As the largest host to Afghan refugees, he also urged the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees to enhance its assistance, the international donor community to earmark resources for the rehabilitation and repatriation of refugees, and the Afghan Government to pay special attention to livelihoods and housing to absorb returning refugees.
Delegations around the room also stressed the need to strengthen and support the country’s economic development, with India’s representative pointing out that Afghanistan’s lack of connectivity to seaports was a significant constraint. To that end, his Government, together with Iran and Afghanistan, had been discussing how they could develop Iran’s Chahbahar Port.
The representative of the United Arab Emirates said his Government had launched an initiative to support carpet production in Afghanistan. The projects results included reversing downward production trends, and helping women and families generate income. It also opened up the domestic carpet industry to the global market.
However, the increase of illicit drug trading gave many representatives pause, with Kyrgyzstan’s delegate pointing to a recent report of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) that the opium crop would hit a “new high” this year. Despite national and regional anti-narcotic strategies and programmes, the flow of drugs from Afghanistan had not been stopped, which was aggravated by the fact that revenue from illicit drug production was a source of funding for terrorist and extremist groups.
The representatives of the European Union and Japan were among the speakers highlighting the importance of financial assistance. The Union had recently signed an agreement to provide up to 1.4 billion euros in development assistance over the next seven years, its representative said, adding that the money would be used to strengthen Afghan institutions so that they could secure the gains made over the last 13 years.
Japan’s delegate noted that his country was currently providing financial and technical assistance to train about 200 female Afghan police officers in Turkey. His country as well had contributed about $5.4 billion since 2001 and disbursed more than $2 billion of the $3 billion dollar commitment made at the 2012 Tokyo Conference.
Also speaking today were representatives of the Russian Federation (speaking for the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO)), China, Australia, Spain, Iran, United States, Republic of Korea, Lithuania, Maldives, Slovakia, Malaysia, Turkey, and Latvia.
The General Assembly will meet again at 10 a.m. on Friday, 21 November to consider the Report of the Security Council.
Background
The General Assembly met today to discuss the Secretary-General’s report on the situation in Afghanistan and its implications for international peace and security (document A/69/540), as well as to take action on a related draft resolution (document A/69/L.20).
Statements
ZAHIR TANIN (Afghanistan), expressing appreciation for Member States’ participation in negotiations on the resolution, said that at the end of this year, his Government would take full responsibility for the security of the country. The mandate of the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) was set to expire on 31 December, and his country would move towards a more normalized international status as a sovereign nation. It was a major accomplishment and an important step towards achieving a peaceful, sovereign and prosperous Afghanistan. While the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) combat role would end, his country and NATO remained committed to a long-term strategic partnership, with NATO continuing to train, advise and assist the Afghan National Security Forces (ANSF).
Noting the first democratic transfer of power in his country from one president to the next, he said the establishment of a Government of national unity had generated an atmosphere of broader political inclusivity and participation. It would enable Afghans from all walks of life to contribute to the country’s economic and social development, the sustainability of the Afghan State and its security forces, and peace and security in the region. The newly elected President and the Government were vigorously pursuing a comprehensive reform program focused on eliminating corruption, enhancing democratic accountability, governance and rule of law, and promoting economic growth and social development.
Although the violence perpetrated by terrorists, extremists and illegal armed groups continued to have a devastating impact on all civilians and posed the greatest obstacle to progress in his country, he said ANSF continued to demonstrate professionalism and courage in protecting the Afghan people. However, peace could not be achieved through military efforts alone. In that regard, the President had called on all armed opponents of the Government to enter political talks and play their part in building a stronger and successful nation. National reconciliation was an Afghan-led and Afghan-owned process, but regional and neighbouring countries, particularly Pakistan, played an important role in their efforts to end the conflict.
Indeed, regional cooperation was not only key to peace and security, but also to prosperity in his country and the wider region, he said, stressing that his Government was committed to deepening cooperation with its neighbours and regional partners. Doing so would open the doors to a flourishing continental economy in the heart of Asia. Afghanistan had great potential to enhance the development and prosperity of the entire region by unlocking its capacity to serve as a hub for connectivity and trade across Asia. That would entail key energy and power projects, as well as the building of a wide regional transport network.
Noting the international community’s unprecedented engagement in supporting Afghan efforts to build peace and stability over the past 13 years, he said his Government’s ambitious reform agenda, the collaboration of all Afghan political forces, and the support of the Afghan people would enable them “to put an end to the destructive narrative of toxic extremism and reach the beginning of an era of peace”.
IOANNIS VRAILAS, Deputy Head of the European Union Delegation, said the upcoming London conference would be an opportunity for the international community to restate its long-term commitment to support Afghanistan and reaffirm its existing financial commitments through 2017, underpinned by the principle of mutual accountability. It was also an opportunity to consider the progress made in the commitments set out in the Tokyo Mutual Accountability Framework established at the Tokyo conference in July 2012. Welcoming the formation of the Government of National Unity, he said that the Union had recently signed an agreement to provide up to 1.4 billion euros in development assistance over the next seven years. The money would be used, in line with the Union’s strategy, to strengthen Afghan institutions so that the country could be responsible for securing the gains made over the last 13 years. It would also help develop national institutions in line with the needs of Afghan women and men.
The failure to remedy injustice, both real and perceived, was one of the greatest failings of the previous Afghan administration and gave its opponents an easy target, he said. The new Government had taken the welcome step of re-opening the investigation into the corrupt practices that had led to the collapse of Da Kabul Bank. Also welcomed was the appointment of a new Chief Justice and a new Attorney-General. It was vital to retain the reform momentum and encourage all parts of the justice system to work together to address the system’s systemic failures. While fully supportive of a national reconciliation process, he urged caution to prevent the Taliban from returning to previous unacceptable practices. The European Union would prolong its Police Mission in Afghanistan (EUPOL) mandate and continue to support capacity building of the Afghan police and rule of law. He applauded the work of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA), and stressed the importance of the Mission maintaining a countrywide presence.
VITALY CHURKIN (Russian Federation), speaking for the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO), noted that Afghanistan had completed a transfer of power through a democratic election. Regarding the country’s security arrangements with the United States and NATO, his delegation had no intention to challenge that country’s sovereign rights to do so. Because the security situation was concerning, with terrorists, extremists and other radical elements never slackening their activities, CSTO supported efforts to counter those challenges. National reconciliation was also essential for a new Afghanistan. Fighters must lay down arms and recognize the Constitution.
Countering the narcotics business was also vital to peace and security in that country, he said. Despite intensified international efforts, narcotic cartels continued to increase production, posing a threat to security and stability. The global community must redouble unified efforts to curb illicit trafficking of drugs. In that regard, he said that CSTO would continue to provide support for the Afghan National Security Forces so that they could effectively combat illicit drug smuggling. Afghanistan’s economic development was also of particular interest, and in that regard the Russian Federation was conducting many projects. He urged Afghanistan’s leaders to build a neutral, dynamic State, pledging his country’s support, both bilaterally and multilaterally.
MASOOD KHAN (Pakistan) said that today’s debate and this year’s resolution on Afghanistan were most timely. His country had supported Afghanistan’s electoral process through enhancing security on their shared border. The two States had resolved to forge robust economic partnerships to expand trade, promote investment, improve infrastructure, build road and rail links, and generate energy. He also envisaged collaboration with Afghanistan on reconstruction, border security and defence, capacity building, education and parliamentary exchanges. Stressing that “past mistakes of abandoning Afghanistan should not be repeated,” he said that Afghanistan’s security institutions would require substantial assistance for years to come. The two countries would jointly counter the threats of terrorism, violent extremism, transnational crime and a precarious security environment with a strong common resolve and coordinated endeavours.
He said he was encouraged by President Ghani’s decision to give priority to the matter of refugees, given that more than three million documented and undocumented refugees still continued to live on Pakistan’s soil. As host to the largest, single country, chronic refugee caseload, his country had extended the refugees’ stay until the end of 2015, despite constraints on its resources. However, to deal with the refugees in Pakistan, the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees must enhance its assistance. Also, the international donor community should earmark resources for the rehabilitation and repatriation of refugees. The Afghan Government should pay special attention to livelihoods and housing to absorb returning refugees.
JAMAL JAMA AHMED ABDULLA AL MUSHARAKH (United Arab Emirates) highlighted his country’s various efforts to help meet the basic needs of the Afghan people, including infrastructure projects and assistance through various institutions. In addition, his Government had launched an initiative to support carpet production in Afghanistan. Following the introduction of that project, downward production trends reversed, helping women and families generate income. It also opened up the domestic carpet industry to the global market. His Government was also assisting in health projects through the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation to eradicate polio. Afghanistan had long been a victim of terrorism and extremism, which had a detrimental impact on investment. In that regard, the United Arab Emirates had hosted the International Centre of Excellence for Countering Violent Extremism in Abu Dhabi, the first global institution of its kind.
WANG MIN (China) said that after several decades of war and turmoil, the Afghan people had entered into a crucial phase of transformation. They faced new opportunities to rebuild and achieve unity and peace, while confronting very arduous tasks. In that context, the international community must respect the Afghan people’s right to choose independently, taking into account their current circumstances. A broad-based and inclusive political reconciliation must be an Afghan-led and Afghan-owned process. Noting the continued severity of the country’s security situation, he said Afghanistan must be supported in their efforts to achieve national stability and security through capacity-building of its security forces and police. To help speed up the country’s national and social economic development, the international community must also help Afghanistan achieve economic sustainable development.
ASOKE K. MUKERJI (India) congratulated the people of Afghanistan for the National Unity Government Agreement. However, despite the great efforts and sacrifices of international troops and ANSF personnel, terrorism and extremism had continued to threaten the country’s peace and stability. Afghanistan was also entering a new phase in its economic transition, for the success of which its private sector was key. Businesses serious about entering the Afghan market were consistently noting that, while security was an issue that could at times be managed, the country’s lack of connectivity to sea ports and to faster growing economic regions of Asia was a significant constraint. To that end, his Government had been in discussion with the Governments of Iran and Afghanistan to see how they could develop Iran’s Chahbahar Port, which would improve Afghanistan’s access to the sea and provide a significant boost to economic reconstruction activities in the western parts of the country.
PHILIPPA KING (Australia) said the inauguration of President Ashraf Ghani and the establishment of a Government of national unity marked the first democratic transfer of power in Afghanistan’s history. Applauding the millions of Afghans who braved threats of violence to vote, she urged President Ghani and Chief Executive Officer Abdullah Abdullah to continue to work in a spirit of cooperation. A sustainable ANSF was fundamental for the country’s long term stability, and would require continued assistance to build its capacity. Her country would participate in the NATO non-combat Resolute Support Mission, as well as contribute $100 million a year from 2015 to 2017. The new Government had already delivered much needed reforms. The Afghan Constitution now enshrined equal rights for men and women, with three million girls attending school, and women exercising their right to vote. The international community was demonstrating its commitment to support Afghanistan by the signing of the Bilateral Security Agreement with the United States, the Status of Forces Agreement with NATO, the upcoming conference in London, and UNAMA.
MOTOHIDE YOSHIKAWA (Japan) said Afghanistan was at a very critical juncture as the country embarked on a “Transformation Decade” towards peace and stability supported by sustainable finances and a viable economy. Three points were particularly important: advancing the political process; improving public order and safety; and sustainable development. Congratulating Afghanistan on its first democratic transition of power, he, however, expressed regret that key Government posts had not been made more than 50 days since the President’s inauguration. He called on the new leadership to form an inclusive cabinet without delay, and respond to the Afghan people’s requests to advance the political process.
Public order and safety were the foundation of Afghanistan’s development process and the international community’s engagement in that process, he said. Japan had given more than $1 billion to the United Nations Development Programme’s (UNDP) Law and Order Trust Fund for Afghanistan (LOTFA). In addition, this month his country was providing financial and technical assistance to train about 200 female Afghan police officers in Turkey. He also said that Japan looked for Afghanistan to renew its commitments on governance and development at the upcoming London conference. Japan was the second-largest aid donor to Afghanistan, and had contributed about $5.4 billion since 2001 and disbursed more than $2 billion of the $3 billion dollar commitment it had made at the 2012 Tokyo Conference.
ROMÁN OYARZUN MARCHESI (Spain), associating himself with the European Union, welcomed the rapid finalization of the bilateral cooperation agreement with the United States on security and the Status of Forces Agreement with NATO, allowing the deployment of the Resolute Support Mission to provide assistance, advice and training to ANSF. The core of the “Decade of Transformation”, which would follow the transitional period at the end of this year, was formed by the international community’s partnership with Afghanistan. The maintenance and expansion of the country’s substantial progress in health, education, civil liberties and human rights, especially of women, would require the Afghan Government to honour the governance and development commitments subscribed in the Tokyo Mutual Responsibility Framework, whose importance he underscored. He also encouraged Government efforts towards reconciliation within Afghan society that would be inclusive, respectful of the Afghan Constitution and committed to human rights, especially those of women, with a strong sense of national ownership. As well, he stressed the importance of regional cooperation.
HOSSEIN DEHGHANI (Iran) said that, as his country was Afghanistan’s neighbour, he was eager to see a peaceful and prosperous nation, since its security affected the security in the region. He praised the Afghan people for their participation in the election despite the threat of extremist and terrorist groups. Welcoming the Government of unity, he said he trusted that all political entities would work in accordance with the Afghan constitution to achieve a peaceful future for the people of Afghanistan. The General Assembly resolutions supporting the training and assistance of the ANSF indicated the strong will of the international community to respect Afghanistan’s sovereignty, independence and national unity. His country had hosted more than three million Afghan refugees, with over 320,000 Afghan students enrolled in schools and universities. Furthermore, Iran would continue its bilateral cooperation on security matters, counter narcotics efforts, and economic cooperation in the fields of infrastructures and agriculture for Afghan refugees.
Trade and economic exchanges must be supported and strengthened, as stronger economic ties would bring peace and reinforce security in Afghanistan, he said. Regarding the counter-narcotics efforts, he expressed concern on reports indicating that opium poppy in Afghanistan had doubled since 2012. The work being done in the country to develop counter narcotic measures in the region was welcomed. His country supported UNAMA in terms of border security, immigration and drug control measures. The role of the mission should grow due to the multifaceted challenges, and he voiced regret at the reduction of available resources. He also reiterated his country’s support for the promotion of security and stability, as well as its full support for the Government of Afghanistan.
DAVID PRESSMAN (United States) said the determination of the Afghan people was evident in the large numbers who voted despite security risks. The two presidential candidates’ choice of unity over division demonstrated their commitment towards durable stability. Giving an overview of different issues, he said that despite the constant threat of attack by illegal armed groups on civilians, Afghan forces were growing more capable of protecting the Afghan people from harm. NATO and its partners would train, advise and assist Afghan forces to develop a self-sustaining force capable of securing Afghanistan. The Afghan Government must take on corruption vigorously and uphold the rule of law so that trading partners could engage in a predictable, fair and legal environment.
He stressed that the international community should also provide development assistance to integrate Afghanistan into the regional and global economy. Notable progress had been achieved, including an improvement of access to education, with more than 8.3 million students now attending school, a third of them girls. In 2001, there had been no independent Afghan media. Today, Afghans could listen to 175 FM stations, watch 75 TV channels and read hundreds of print publications. Progress had changed people’s lives for the better, and had offered a foundation on which the Afghan people could build a brighter future for their country.
PAIK JI-AH (Republic of Korea) said that her country welcomed the participation of the Afghan people, especially women, in the election, despite threats and violence posed by terrorist groups. The continuous international assistance to ANSF was critical, and she applauded the support offered by ISAF leaders to train and assist the Afghan forces beyond 2014. Also welcomed was the bilateral agreement between the United States and Afghanistan, as well as between NATO and Afghanistan. The new Government must also continue to promote human and women’s rights, as well as good governance. She called for the full implementation of the law against violence against women and the anti-laundering money law, adding that the resolution before the General Assembly embodied the political will to support the Afghan process. Her country had taken part in the reconstruction of Afghanistan, providing medical and health care, education, governance, and rural development. As well, it had contributed $250 million in financial assistance for ANSF and for socio-economic development. Her country would continue to support Afghanistan, including with financial contributions, beyond 2014.
NIDA JAKUBONE (Lithuania) said she looked forward to a unanimous adoption of the draft resolution on Afghanistan, underscoring that the country now urgently needed a fully functioning national unity Government, which would implement necessary and pressing reforms. Particular focus was needed on the rule of law, the security situation, protecting human rights, fighting corruption and combating drug production and trafficking. She called on the country and the international community to intensify joint efforts to support alternative livelihoods and fight organized crime. Lithuania was cooperating with Afghanistan on institutional capacity building, civil society, economic growth, social development and promotion of regional initiatives, as the future of Afghanistan depended also on positive engagement with its neighbours. Furthermore, sustained capacity building of Afghan National Security Forces was essential to maintain the country’s security and stability. To that end, her country made financial contributions and provided training. Among others, she called on the Afghan Government to implement the 2013 Convention to Eliminate Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) recommendations, the Law on Elimination of Violence Against Women, and the recently adopted national Action Plan for Women, Peace and Security.
TALAIBEK KYDYROV (Kyrgyzstan), associating himself with the CSTO, said that, although he welcomed the successful transitional period, he was still concerned with the unstable security situation in Afghanistan. Condemning the continuing attacks on civilians, he said that the transfer of responsibility for security should be gradual to ensure overall stability in the region. Furthermore, according to the report of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), the opium crop would hit a “new high” this year. Despite national and regional anti-narcotic strategies and programmes, the flow of drugs from Afghanistan had not been stopped. That was aggravated by the fact that revenue from illicit drug production was a source of funding for terrorist and extremist groups. He called on regional partners and relevant United Nations structures to step up their efforts to counteract the illicit production of drugs. Among other comments, he stressed that Kyrgyzstan fully supported measures aimed at promoting regional economic cooperation, through development of infrastructures in energy, transport and communication spheres.
AHMED SAREER (Maldives) congratulated the Afghan leadership for putting the interests of their people ahead of their personal and political agendas in joining in a unity Government. However, his country’s experience showed that elections were just one step, and the real task was cultivating norms and values that bolstered democratization. He welcomed the continuous efforts by Afghanistan to fight insurgencies and terrorist activities, particularly the enactment of two landmark statutes in 2014 to combat money-laundering and terrorist financing. Furthermore, he welcomed the progress made in the implementation of the 2011 Action Plan for preventing underage recruitment with respect to children in armed conflict, and the country’s continued engagement with its neighbours in the promotion of regional cooperation.
IGOR VENCEL (Slovakia), associating himself with the European Union, said that the spirit of collaboration had marked Afghanistan’s peaceful transition. The democratic transfer of power this year should remain part of the economic and human development, rule of law and peace and reconciliation efforts in the months and years ahead. The Security Council and UNAMA, cooperating with the Afghan Government, must play an important role in facilitating a peaceful political transition and ensuring coherent approaches to equitable sustainable development. Welcoming the adoption of the Afghanistan National Development Strategy, he urged that Government to effectively reform public administration to implement rule of law and ensure good governance. He also welcomed the signing of the United States-Afghanistan Bilateral Security Agreement, and the Status of Forces Agreement with NATO as an important step towards stabilizing Afghanistan’s security. His country stood ready to take part in the Resolute Support training, advice and assistance mission as of 2015.
MOHAMAD ZAMRI MOHAMAD KASSIM (Malaysia) said his country continued to monitor security developments in Afghanistan. The expected withdrawal of ISAF by the end of 2014 meant that the Afghan Unity Government would bear responsibility for the security and safety of its people and territorial integrity. Despite the incidents of violence, he said he was confident that the Afghan National Security Forces would be able to protect its people and maintain security in the country. Yet it was imperative that the international community continued to provide the necessary support. Malaysia’s support of Afghanistan had included the deployment of a medical contingent of the Malaysian Armed Forces to provide services. Through its Malaysian Technical Cooperation Programme, Malaysia had also shared its experiences in development and public administration. He said that he believed Afghanistan would benefit from the exchange of experience and expertise that Malaysia could offer as a moderate and progressive Muslim nation.
Y. HALIT ÇEVIK (Turkey) said he welcomed the successful continuation of the political transition process in Afghanistan. The results of the presidential elections demonstrated the Afghan people’s strong will and courage to determine their own future. The developments had also proven the professionalism of Afghan institutions, which had taken part in the process. The stability of Afghanistan and that of the region would depend on improved security. In addition to his country’s financial commitments to fund the Afghan National Security Forces, it would also assume the Framework Nation role for Kabul in the new mission, which would be launched after ISAF concluded at the end of this year. His country would also undertake responsibility for the Kabul International Airport.INESE FREIMANE-DEKSNE (Latvia), associating herself with the European Union, welcomed political progress in Afghanistan and called on all parties in the country to work together for sustained economic growth and State-building founded on good governance, the rule of law and human rights, particular those of women and children. Continued international support was essential, she said, welcoming recent security agreements and pledging her country’s full commitment to participate in the new resolute support mission and the European Union Police Mission in Afghanistan and to provide financial support to the Afghan National Security Forces on an annual basis from 2014 to 2017. Regional cooperation, stability and economic development were also important, she added, supporting the “Heart of Asia” process and promising pursuit of stronger relations between Central Asia and the European Union when Latvia would take the presidency of the Union in the first half of 2015.