Press encounter following the Security Council meeting on Afghanistan (unofficial transcript)

SG: I think the resolution is a good one and I like the support it gives to their efforts. I think [Lakhdar] Brahimi and his team have done a great job in Bonn. But the difficult task is ahead. We have many hurdles ahead. And we are going to try and do our best, and we expect the Afghan parties to cooperate with us. As far as the multinational force is concerned, as you notice in the agreement, there is a need for one, but the Council will be coming back to that later. I hope not much later because it is an essential part of the agreement.

Q: Mr. Secretary-General, after this resolution, practically do you think Afghanistan is really set to have a new administration, having to start a new era of peace?

SG: At least they have a basis for action, a basis to move forward. And Mr. Brahimi will be going back to Kabul and will be able to sit with the parties and discuss practical steps for implementation of the agreement.*****