Afghanistan: the world must increase its support or risk failing, says Annan

The international community must decide whether to increase its involvement in Afghanistan or risk failure, given the war-stricken country's deteriorating security situation and the intensifying attacks on United Nations staff and aid workers, Secretary-General Kofi Annan says in a report to the General Assembly released today.

In his report, which covers events from July 2002 to November this year, the Secretary-General says the mandate set by the Bonn Agreement can only be achieved if security improves and the programmes and staff of the UN and non-government agencies (NGOs) receive better protection.

Mr. Annan says the worsening security, especially in the south and south-east of the country, is Afghanistan's biggest problem. "Unchecked criminality, outbreaks of factional fighting and activities surrounding the illegal narcotics trade have all had a negative impact on the Bonn process," he says.

The report adds that critical political processes have been delayed or are at risk because of security problems.

"It has been more than 12 months since the establishment of the Transitional Administration. In this time, the initial euphoria of peace has been replaced by the complex legacies of two and a half decades of armed conflict," it states.

The Secretary-General stresses how important it is that the constitutional Loya Jirga (a national representative assembly) and next year's national elections take place in a secure environment.

But there are some bright spots in Afghanistan, according to Mr. Annan's report. The country's economy has enjoyed growth, the primary education system has been re-established and one of the largest ever UN-assisted refugee repatriation schemes is proceeding. Some 4 million children are now going to school, the report noted.

The Secretary-General also states that he has begun consultations on arranging a follow-up conference to the Bonn Agreement, bringing in representatives from across Afghan society.