Security Council backs international strategy for Afghanistan

The Security Council today welcomed the communiqué from the recent international conference on Afghanistan, saying it set a clear agenda and agreed priorities for peace and security in the country, and was underpinned by a comprehensive strategy for the Government in Kabul.

“The members of the Council voiced support for the priorities agreed to at the London Conference on security, governance and economic development,” the 15-member body said in a press statement read out by Ambassador Gérard Araud of France, which holds the Council''s monthly presidency for February.

The Security Council statement referred to the gathering of some 70 nations in London on 28 January to discuss the way forward in Afghanistan following last year''s elections, in which Hamid Karzai won another term as President.

The Security Council also noted the Regional Summit held on 26 January in Istanbul with the participation of Afghanistan''s neighbours, as well as the United Nations and other international and regional organisations.

“A common vision of regional cooperation was set out and the neighbours have reaffirmed their strong commitment to the sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity and national unity of Afghanistan and of each other,” read the Council statement, which also thanked Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon for his briefing outlining his recent travels, including the London Conference.

The members of the Council underlined the leading role of UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) in the co-ordination of international civilian efforts in Afghanistan.

The members of the Council also expressed their gratitude to the outgoing UN envoy to Afghanistan, Kai Eide, for his “outstanding contribution to UNAMA''s work”, and looked forward to working with the Secretary General''s new Special Representative, Staffan De Mistura.