UNdemocracy - General Assembly Session 63 meeting 42

Date	10 November 2008
Started	10:00
Ended	13:05

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A-63-PV.42 2008-11-10 10:00 10 November 2008 [[10 November]] [[2008]] /

The President: Mr. D'Escoto Brockmann (Nicaragua)

The meeting was called to order at 10.10 a.m.

More on this topic

Agenda item 17

The situation in Afghanistan

Report of the Secretary-General (A/63/372)

Draft resolution (A/63/L.17)

The President

I now give the floor to the representative of Germany to introduce draft resolution A/63/L.17.

Mr. Matussek (Germany)

As in previous years, Germany has the honour to introduce today the draft resolution on the situation in Afghanistan (A/63/L.17). The draft resolution is the result of several weeks of intensive consultations in the General Assembly. First of all, I would like to thank all the delegations involved for their constructive input and their never-ending spirit of cooperation.

We full support the statement that will be delivered by the French presidency of the European Union. However, as facilitator, Germany would like to highlight the following aspects. The reconstruction and development of Afghanistan is at the heart of the efforts of the international community. Our common objective is to help to improve the everyday lives of Afghans. By adopting the draft resolution by consensus we, the members of the General Assembly, can once again emphasize our solidarity with the Afghan people and send a strong message of support for the efforts of the international community to help the Afghan people rebuild their country and develop their democratic society after devastating years of Taliban terror.

Seven years ago, Afghanistan was a country where the population generally did not have access to basic health services, where human rights were violated and where women were denied access to education or public office. Against that background, we can clearly acknowledge the very important and encouraging achievements of the Afghan Government, supported by the international community. Today, 85 per cent of the Afghan population has access to medical treatment; roads, schools, bridges and water infrastructure have been built or reconstructed; and large parts of the country have been successfully cleared of landmines. To all those who want to question the successes achieved in Afghanistan, our answer is: Every strip of land that is cultivated by a farmer again, every child that can attend school again, every new hospital and every kilometre of new road is a small victory of humanity.

The Paris Declaration provides the strategy and road map for the renewed and strengthened efforts of the Government of Afghanistan and the international community in facing the remaining challenges. And we stress the importance of the Paris commitments being translated into concrete political action in a timely fashion.

We strongly support the concept of increasing Afghan ownership in all aspects of governance, as exemplified in the launch of the Afghanistan National Development Strategy, and we would like to recall that the Afghanistan Compact will remain the agreed basis of our work. Germany clearly welcomes the leading role of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) and of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Kai Eide, in coordinating the international civilian effort.

I would like to underline the need to ensure that UNAMA is adequately resourced to fulfil its extended mandate. Germany has supported UNAMA substantially from its inception and we will continue to do so. On the part of the Afghan Government, we see a need for further efforts to improve governance across the board. We encourage the Afghan Government to take further decisive action in combating terrorism, drug production and trafficking, including precursors to drugs, and corruption and to continue the reform of the justice sector in order to be able to continue to meaningfully improve the human rights situation.

In that regard, we welcome the recent decisions of the Afghan Government reflecting the invigorated political will to strengthen the fight against corruption, build up the Afghan National Police and enhance economic growth through rural development.

Germany is strongly committed to continuing its comprehensive support of the international efforts under the umbrella of the United Nations. My Government recently increased its development aid for Afghanistan to a total of approximately 170 million in 2008, representing an increase of 30 million. Also, the funds for humanitarian aid and humanitarian demining have been significantly increased in 2008 to more than 15 million.

In light of the imminent food crisis, we have made available additional funds at short notice. Germany decided to substantially increase its personnel for the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) to 4,500 soldiers -- an increase of 1,000 soldiers. At the same time, we are ready to double the number of German police officers in the framework of the European Union Police Mission in Afghanistan in line with the Union's efforts to reinforce the Mission.

The international community is appalled by the significant increase in the number of attacks against aid workers, convoys and facilities, as stated in the recent report of the Secretary-General. As reflected in the draft resolution, we share great concern about the number of civilian casualties, mainly because of the increased violent and terrorist activity of the Taliban, Al-Qaida and other extremist and criminal groups and their asymmetric tactics. ISAF has taken the necessary steps to minimize the risk of unintended civilian casualties and has installed procedures for after-action review. We recognize the need for continued efforts by the international forces to avoid civilian casualties during military operations.

Intensified and improved regional cooperation in all fields will be key to the success of all international assistance to improve the living conditions in Afghanistan. We would like to take the opportunity to encourage all regional partners to continue their initiatives towards improved regional cooperation in all fields.

Last but not least, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to all the women and men involved in the work on the ground in Afghanistan, whether they be security personnel, humanitarian aid workers, diplomats or others. They serve in order to help to create a better future for the people of Afghanistan and for all of us. They deserve our greatest respect.

In conclusion, I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to my colleague Ambassador Zahir Tanin, and his Minister Counsellor, Erfani Ayoob, for their trust and friendship and for the excellent cooperation we have been privileged to encounter, and not only in recent days. May Afghanistan successfully continue down the road towards peace, security and development. The upcoming elections will be an important step for their country.

The General Assembly's approval of the draft resolution today will be a clear sign that the international community remains willing and prepared to actively assist the Afghan delegation and its country in that endeavour.

Mr. Tanin (Afghanistan)

It is a great honour for me to address the Assembly on the occasion of the consideration of the annual resolution on the situation in Afghanistan. I would like to thank the delegation of Germany for their dedicated work in drafting and negotiating the draft resolution before us (A/63/L.17) and to convey my gratitude for the support of all of its sponsors. With the draft, their voices have spoken out in renewed solidarity with a stronger, more peaceful Afghanistan.

It has been more than seven years since international forces entered our country. With so much time having passed, and with so much focus on particular complexities, we may sometimes lose sight of the original noble purpose of our work in Afghanistan.

What is that noble purpose? We are in Afghanistan to prevent the malady of terrorism from infesting a nation and the world. We are here to proclaim together that never again will the Taliban regime have control of a country and crush the hopes, dreams and lives of its own people. Never again should Al-Qaida have sanctuaries in Afghanistan and elsewhere to project its extremist terror with the aim of killing thousands of innocent people across the world.

We are also here so that the region and the world can enjoy the new wealth and prosperity of a stable Afghanistan that can offer new avenues for economic cooperation and trade routes. We are here so that a strong Afghanistan can serve as an example of a democratic Islamic country that can unite communities and peoples of all faiths and cultures.

Let us carry that original purpose as the torch lighting the way against the dark challenges that lie before us today. Those challenges are critical. Terrorists are committing increasingly brutal acts, killing teachers, aid workers and families. Terrorist activities also have an increasingly strong correlation with crime and narcotics. In addition, the Government of Afghanistan faces serious obstacles in its quest to fight corruption, hold elections, build a strong justice sector and increase economic development. Most importantly, a food shortage is threatening more than 8 million Afghans this coming winter, which is only a few weeks away.

Simultaneously, the world is facing the worst financial and credit crisis since the Second World War. Just as terrorism poses a threat without boundaries, the financial squeeze is affecting us all. While Afghanistan is fighting serious challenges with international ramifications, there is also a tightening of resources. It seems that we must do more with less.

To meet that challenge, we in Afghanistan need to embark on a smart and sustainable strategy that can harness our resources most effectively. Such a strategy must always be guided primarily by the interests of the people of Afghanistan and have as its foremost goal the creation of a self-sustaining nation. The strategy should have the following components.

First, Afghan ownership should increase at every level and in every dimension. The Afghan National Army and National Police must increase in number and in strength for Afghans to protect Afghans. To that end, the Government of Afghanistan has ambitious goals to increase training, develop a comprehensive reform strategy and expand the size of our army to 134,000 troops by the year 2010. To meet those goals, we need continued international support.

In addition, the Government of Afghanistan is fighting corruption through the reorganization of its ministries, the work of an Independent Directorate of Local Governance and the launching of a High Office of Oversight to combat corruption. International support for those Government initiatives would allow it to improve the delivery of national services to the Afghan people.

The Government of Afghanistan also aims to increase Afghan ownership of reconstruction and development efforts. While international support is necessary to strengthen our agricultural sector, create new infrastructure projects and sources of energy, and find new areas for local economy, we hope that international support will increasingly be delivered through the framework provided by our Afghan National Development Strategy.

Furthermore, the upcoming elections are a most important opportunity to increase ownership of Afghanistan by qualified Afghans. Fair, credible and timely elections are essential to strengthening legitimacy and creating a self-sustaining Afghanistan. However, security is the main precondition for holding elections. The Government of Afghanistan is hoping for the support of the international community in its efforts to provide that security.

The ingredients of a political solution to the situation in Afghanistan must involve the Afghan people and their communities. In order for any talks for reconciliation and the peace process to be successful, we must win the confidence of the Afghan people by including them substantively in the process.

Secondly, international involvement should refocus on the overall security of the Afghan people. The Government of Afghanistan recognizes the need for increased international troops to quell today's insecurity. To ensure that the increase in international involvement would effectively protect the Afghan people, we should ascertain that, first, international troops in Afghanistan should expand their focus. Their goal must go beyond the targeting of the Taliban; the goal should be to protect the comprehensive security of the Afghan people. Moreover, the Government of Afghanistan urges that any increase in deployment of troops be accomplished through further collaboration with the Government. Thirdly, international troops need to review the problem of civilian casualties. Although the Taliban are the reason for the majority of civilian casualties, the international forces for their part can do more to reduce the risk of civilian casualties. To build a self-sustaining Afghanistan, the people must be able to trust their Government and its allies to protect their lives and their families.

In addition, the Government of Afghanistan deeply appreciates the efforts of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) to address the human development component of security. Its mandate of delivering aid more effectively is an enormously important one at this time of limited resources. But in order for Kai Eide and UNAMA to accomplish that task, the financial resources they need to operate effectively must be addressed by Member States. In turn, the Government of Afghanistan pledges to continue to work collaboratively with UNAMA.

Thirdly, a re-emphasis on regional partnerships is necessary. The challenges Afghanistan faces today are regional challenges. The Taliban and Al-Qaida, the movement of refugees and the narcotics trade are transborder problems. Moreover, regional solutions promise great regional benefits in the areas of security, trade, energy, infrastructure and more positive people-to-people relationships. Thus, we should strive together to find regional solutions to our shared challenges. Our first priority is the relationship Afghanistan shares with our friends in Pakistan. They suffer equal harm at the hands of the Taliban and Al-Qaida. To fight the terrorists who would kill our people, we must work together to eliminate their sanctuaries. The Government of Afghanistan increasingly recognizes that the only lasting peace is one that is forged together with our allies in the region. Thus, the support of the international community for such regional efforts is essential.

At this time of great challenge, there is also reason for great hope. Over the past seven years, we have taken some significant steps forward. We have built schools, health clinics, roads and telecommunications infrastructure. We are making progress on human rights and the rule of law. Even as we speak, we are seeing a breakthrough in counter-narcotics efforts.

As we stated in October, the Taliban is fighting a war of perception. Its goal is to persuade the Afghan people that the international community is failing, especially at this time of transition following the elections in the United States. To counter that, we must be equally vigilant in demonstrating our successes to the Afghan people. We know that there are two Afghanistans: one conveyed by news reports broadcasting only the atrocities; another experienced by millions of Afghans building daily lives in peace. Let us not forget this second Afghanistan. Our efforts are not in vain and we are making progress.

Today is also a day of great hope because there is a new beginning in two of Afghanistan's most important allies. With Pakistan's new President, His Excellency Mr. Asif Ali Zardari, we are witnessing the first moves towards collaboration and cooperation that we hope will lead to peace and security. With the United States, we welcome the recent historic election and look forward to working with the President-elect, Mr. Barack Obama. We appreciate the continued support of the United States in Afghanistan.

Today is a most important day. We have reminded ourselves of the original noble purpose of our work in Afghanistan. Success in Afghanistan is as vital today as it was seven years ago. And, in the context of a global financial crisis, we have identified the components of a smart and sustainable strategy to harness our resources most effectively.

For our part, the Government of Afghanistan is fully and absolutely dedicated to creating a stronger Afghanistan. Every international commitment made today to meeting the objectives of today's draft resolution will be matched twofold by efforts on the part of our Government. In the upcoming months, let us together have the courage to determinedly and resolutely walk the path towards a self-sustaining, peaceful, prosperous and democratic Afghanistan.

Mr. Ripert (France)

I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the European Union. Croatia, Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Iceland, Moldavia, Montenegro, Serbia, Turkey and Ukraine align themselves with this declaration, the detailed text of which has been distributed. I will limit myself to making a few points.

The annual resolution of the General Assembly on the situation in Afghanistan is an opportunity for the international community to show its unanimous commitment to the consolidation of a stable, prosperous and democratic Afghanistan. We understand the scale of the challenges that must be met in order to achieve those objectives. This is the time not to lose heart, however, but for patient and determined action. We thank the German delegation, the principal author of the draft resolution before us (A/63/L.17), which was able to achieve a consensus that reflects the international community's resolve.

The United Nations plays a leading role in Afghanistan, which is embodied by the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Mr. Kai Eide, who enjoys the full support of the European Union. The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) has been entrusted with an enhanced mandate, specifically in the coordination of international assistance. It is essential that all international actors actively support that role. We must also give UNAMA adequate financial and human resources.

The developments of recent months present mixed results. We have seen real progress, in particular in the continued strengthening of the Afghan National Army, in the economic area and in the fight against narcotics trafficking. However, there also continue to be several areas of concern: the security situation, the risk of a humanitarian crisis and the human rights situation. The problem of good governance remains a challenge that will require increased efforts. We are also concerned about the issue of civilian casualties. Let us not forget that the vast majority of those victims is caused by the indiscriminate violence of terrorists and extremists. Nonetheless, the European Union is aware of the need for international forces to vigorously pursue efforts to avoid all civilian casualties.

The difficulties of the situation should not, however, obscure the progress made over the past seven years in the economic and social sectors as well as in the consolidation of democratic institutions. The Afghan people clearly expressed their choice for democracy and stability in 2004 and 2005. We are ready to provide strong support to the Afghan authorities in preparation for the elections in 2009 and 2010.

We share the sense of urgency expressed by the Secretary-General in his report (A/63/372). The international community and Afghanistan have a strategy, defined in London in 2006 and now continued in the Afghan National Development Strategy, as well as a road map developed at the International Conference in support of Afghanistan held in Paris in June 2008. The road map is based on a renewed partnership centred on mutual commitments to better take into account the specific needs of the population.

To implement those commitments, decisive measures must be taken rapidly, not only by the international community but also by the Afghan authorities. The Afghan authorities will need to assume an increasing share of the responsibility and, to that end, they must step up efforts to improve governance and fight corruption.

Afghanistan and the United Nations can count on the unwavering commitment of the European Union, which is the second largest financial contributor to the reconstruction of Afghanistan. It contributes in particular to building the capacity of the Afghan police, particularly through the European Union Police Mission in Afghanistan (EUPOL), which will be significantly strengthened. EUPOL acts in full respect of the leading role taken by the Afghan authorities and in close cooperation with the other international actors.

With regard to the military situation, 25 member countries of the European Union participate in the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF). Together, they compose half of the total ISAF contingent. They renewed their commitment at the NATO summit in Bucharest.

I would like to pay tribute to the courage and determination of the soldiers who are fighting in our name, often at the cost of their lives. I would like to express my condolences to the Spanish Government, to the victims and to the families of the two soldiers who died in an attack on Sunday. I would also like to recognize the work of all humanitarian personnel, of both the United Nations and non-governmental organizations, who operate in increasingly dangerous conditions and who also often risk their lives.

If a solution to the challenges facing Afghanistan is to be sustainable, it must be political. To that end, we must develop a comprehensive approach based on a better integration of civilian and military efforts. The European Union encourages the development of a national political dialogue with as broad a participation as possible at all levels. That dialogue should be conducted in full respect of the Constitution and under the leadership of Afghan authorities.

Stability in Afghanistan is also intrinsically linked to the stability of the region. In that regard, we welcome the strengthening of the cooperation between Afghanistan and its neighbours against such threats as terrorism and drug trafficking.

The European Union noted with interest the peace jirga between Pakistan and Afghan officials held on 27 and 28 October. The European Union expresses its support for that hopeful process. The European Union also marks its appreciation for the efforts by the Pakistani authorities to deny access to their territory to terrorist groups targeting Afghanistan and encourages both countries to step up their cooperation.

In conclusion, I would like to reaffirm the resolute commitment of the European Union in support of the efforts of the Afghan people so that they may attain peace, security and development as soon as possible.

Mr. Churkin (Russia)

It is a great honour for me to speak on behalf of the States members of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), namely, the People's Republic of China, the Republic of Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, the Russian Federation, the Republic of Tajikistan and the Republic of Uzbekistan.

Our countries maintain long-standing and close relations with Afghanistan. One of the important priorities of the activities of the SCO is to provide assistance in developing Afghanistan's new statehood and to establish sustainable democratic institutions in that country. As close neighbours of Afghanistan, we are of course concerned about the serious problems and challenges that State faces today, as they adversely affect the situation in the region. The continuing deterioration of the military and political situation in Afghanistan and the increasing rise in drug trafficking, transborder organized crime and other threats call for concerted action by the international community.

The member States of our Organization have been actively involved, both bilaterally and multilaterally, in efforts to help provide security and stability on the territory of Afghanistan and to assist with its social and economic reconstruction. We will continue to use the organization's Afghanistan contact group and other mechanisms to halt threats emanating from the territory of that country.

The security situation remains a source of serious concern, given the intensified terrorist activity by the Taliban, Al-Qaida forces and other extremists. The scale of terrorist attacks in Kabul and other regions of the country and the increasingly frequent attacks on humanitarian personnel and United Nations staff members are evidence of aggression by radical forces who are striving to gain power and who are ready to sacrifice the lives of peaceful civilians in order to achieve their goals and gain control over the country.

In that context, we believe it is essential that we not reverse the policy of isolating extremist leaders, especially those who are on the sanctions list of the Security Council Committee established pursuant to resolution 1267 (1999), while leaving open the opportunity for rank-and-file Taliban members who are not tainted by military crimes to return to peaceful lives. It is only on the basis of that understanding that the process of national reconciliation can be effective.

We pay special attention to combating drug trafficking, which has become one of the main sources of financing terrorist activities. Increasingly, terrorists and drug dealers coordinate their activities closely. At the same time, unfortunately, international efforts to combat the illicit production of, and trafficking in, drugs from the territory of Afghanistan remain ineffective. The large-scale production of drugs in Afghanistan poses a real threat to the entire international community.

In that context, we think it important to intensify antidrug efforts both on the territory of Afghanistan itself -- including the destruction of drug crops, the prosecution of drug dealers, the introduction of alternative agricultural crops and efforts to curb unemployment -- as well as around it, by setting up a system of antidrug and financial security belts, with a coordinating role for the United Nations and with the involvement of neighbouring countries. It is not just by intercepting drug shipments that we will achieve our goals, but also by tightening control over transnational money transfers derived from the proceeds of illicit drug trafficking, money laundering and other criminal activities, including the financing of terrorism.

SCO States believe that it is necessary for the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF), which is deployed in Afghanistan under a Security Council mandate, to pay more attention to the task of countering the production of, and smuggling in, Afghan drugs -- of course, in cooperation with the Government of Afghanistan and neighbouring and other concerned countries. It is important that resolution 1833 (2008), which was recently adopted by the Security Council, focuses the efforts of ISAF on strengthening cooperation with the Government of Afghanistan and other interested stakeholders, including regional ones. Given the close link between terrorist activities and drug production, ISAF's efforts will not be fully effective without combating the drug threat.

We are continuing our joint efforts to establish close interaction with other interested countries and international and regional organizations to establish a broad partnership network to counter terrorist and drug threats. We are making practical preparations for a special conference on Afghanistan, to be convened under the aegis of the SCO, to discuss joint efforts aimed at countering terrorism, illicit drug trafficking and organized crime. We hope that that initiative will be supported by the United Nations and all the States actively involved in providing assistance to Afghanistan.

We share the Secretary-General's opinion that the civilian population of Afghanistan must be afforded protection not only from terrorists but also from the unintended consequences of the operations of the coalition forces. Incidents involving civilians, which have become more frequent recently, are undermining the trust of the local population in the international efforts in Afghanistan. It is essential that ISAF take measures to prevent the deaths of peaceful civilians as a result of the indiscriminate or excessive use of force, including bombings.

In that regard, we should like to emphasize once again that there is no alternative to the crucial need enshrined in the Security Council's recent resolution to comply with international humanitarian law to prevent the loss of life among the civilian population. That is an extremely important goal in the context of the long-term stabilization of Afghanistan, which was reaffirmed both by the Afghan leadership and by United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan.

SCO member States are convinced that effectively settling the situation in Afghanistan and resolving the serious problems now facing the country's Government will be impossible without an integrated approach on the part of the international community led by the United Nations. Nor will it be possible without giving Kabul greater independence in resolving domestic problems. First of all, conditions must be created to allow the Afghan Government to independently provide security on the territory of the country. Of particular importance in that regard is the establishment of genuinely operational national armed forces and law enforcement agencies that are equipped with modern weapons.

The situation in Afghanistan cannot be resolved by purely military means. Durable peace and stability in Afghanistan will be impossible to achieve without the economic recovery of the country. The steps taken in the area of security must be backed by real measures aimed at the socio-economic reconstruction of Afghanistan. In that regard, we intend to further develop our diversified cooperation with Afghanistan, including by implementing projects for the socio-economic recovery and development of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan.

It is essential to respect the national and religious values and the centuries-long customs and traditions of the multi-ethnic and multireligious people of Afghanistan and, on that basis, bring together the belligerent forces in Afghanistan.

SCO member States support the draft resolution (A/63/L.17) on Afghanistan prepared by a large group of sponsors. We hope that its adoption by consensus will be conducive to stepping up the efforts of the international community in Afghanistan.

Mr. Martirosyan (Armenia)

It is a great honour for me to speak on behalf of the States members of the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO), namely, Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, the Russian Federation, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan.

Since the overthrow of the Taliban, Afghanistan, with the help of the international community, has had considerable success in the areas of nation-building and strengthening democratic institutions in the country. At the same time, the country continues to face serious threats and challenges in the area of security. The military and political situation in the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan continues to be a source of considerable concern for the international community, and in particular for the member States of the CSTO.

Taliban and Al-Qaida extremists have intensified their efforts to combat Government and international community forces in the country. They periodically control regions of the country, where they establish parallel government structures. The activities of the terrorists are organized, with the Taliban actively employing suicide bombings and kidnapping to terrorize civilians who support the legitimate Government.

It is clear that efforts to involve so-called moderate Taliban in Government structures have not led to concrete results. Moreover, those extremists have used that opportunity to strengthen their positions in Government in several of provinces. The resulting situation raises doubt about the entire notion that it is possible to achieve anything by being friendly with extremists. We believe it is essential to isolate extremists, especially those on the sanctions list of the Security Council Committee established pursuant to resolution 1267 (1999).

Despite the reduction in the cultivation of poppy recorded this year and the decreased volume of opiates produced, the situation with regard to the production of, and trafficking in, drugs in the territory of Afghanistan continues to be very serious. Cooperation between drug producers and terrorist groups has intensified, especially in the south-western part of the country. We believe that only the full-fledged socio-economic reconstruction of Afghanistan and coordinated efforts by the international community to combat illegal drug trafficking will make it possible to put an end to the drug trade, which is a main source of financing for terrorists.

We are in favour of comprehensive international cooperation to achieve the goals of the final declaration of the Moscow Ministerial Conference on Drug Trafficking Routes from Afghanistan. That would entail establishing antidrug and financial security belts around Afghanistan. Of course, we must also ensure the full implementation of Security Council resolution 1735 (2006), especially with respect to individuals who support terrorist groups. Countering the large-scale production and distribution of heroin produced in Afghanistan will only be possible through the establishment of an international system to effectively control the trafficking in that illegal substance.

Mr. Swe (Myanmar), Vice-President, took the Chair.

Mr. Martirosyan (Armenia)

The member States of the CSTO reiterate the need to fully implement Security Council resolution 1817 (2008), and we are prepared to work towards that end. The CSTO has considerable experience in combating illegal trafficking in drugs and their precursors in Afghanistan. Operation Channel, which became a standing effort in September of this year, is one of the most successful and effective examples of CSTO cooperation in addressing the international drug trade. Participation in Operation Channel has grown every year. In addition to the member States of the CSTO, this year's Operation included several observer States, such as Azerbaijan, China, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Mongolia, Poland, Turkmenistan, Ukraine and the United States of America. For the first time, representatives from law enforcement agencies from Romania and Syria also participated, as did representatives from the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe and the Eurasian Group on Combating Money-Laundering and the Financing of Terrorism.

In the context of the Operation, effective mechanisms have been established in recent years to combat drug trafficking along northern routes from Afghanistan to Europe. As a result of the 2008 Operation, security agencies of CSTO member States seized about 11.5 tons of drugs, including 1 ton of heroin, 4.5 tons of hashish, more than 11 kilograms of cocaine and 40 kilograms of synthetic drugs.

The work to strengthen antidrug buffers should be complemented by efforts to establish financial security belts around Afghanistan. The idea is to strengthen control over transnational movements of cash flows generated by illegal drug trafficking, money laundering and other transnational criminal activities aimed, among other things, at financing terrorism.

Stabilizing the military and security situation in Afghanistan cannot be accomplished without coordinating the efforts of the international community under the auspices of the United Nations. Members of the CSTO are ready to provide support for the nation-building efforts in Afghanistan. In particular, we are prepared to provide support in the area of regional cooperation in such areas as security, economic reconstruction and combating drug trafficking.

We also think it is important to utilize the potential of Afghanistan's regional partners to implement projects to rebuild the energy and transport infrastructure of the country.

Comprehensive cooperation between Afghanistan and the countries of the region could be an important element in finding an overall solution to the conflict. We believe that the efforts of the international community to stabilize the situation in Afghanistan and combat the terrorist and extremist threats emanating from the country will only be successful if the conditions are established to equip the Afghan Government with the independent capacity to provide security on its territory. Of particular importance in that regard is the establishment of operationally viable national armed forces and law enforcement agencies with modern equipment.

Efforts to improve the security situation in the region must be bolstered by efforts by the international community to create economic opportunities and jobs for the people of Afghanistan, especially its young people. First and foremost, stabilizing the situation in Afghanistan can be achieved by strengthening Government structures, rebuilding the economy, addressing the most acute social problems and improving the lives of the Afghan people. The members of the CSTO will continue to contribute to that effort.

Mr. Ettalhi (Libya) --> -->

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      object = u'\n\t<p id="pg010-bk01-pa01">As we mark the seventh...f all groups and factions within Afghanistan.</p>'
      reason = 'ordinal not in range(128)'
      start = 2118