UNAMA: GUIDANCE FOR SEPTEMBER 29 SECURITY COUNCIL

UNCLAS STATE 100145 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PGOV PREL UNSC AF SUBJECT: UNAMA: GUIDANCE FOR SEPTEMBER 29 SECURITY COUNCIL BRIEFING ¶1. (U) This is an action request. USUN is instructed to draw from the points in paragraph 3 below during consultations following the quarterly UN Security Council briefing on the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) scheduled for September 29, 2009. ¶2. (U) Objectives: -- Acknowledge the difficulty of the Presidential elections -- Point out that there is a process in place that is responding to claims of fraud -- Highlight the other important work that is UNAMA,s mission ¶3. (U) Begin points: -- On behalf of the United States, let me first thank the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Kai Eide, for his briefing today and for his leadership at the helm of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan during a critical time. The United States continues to strongly support UNAMA in its efforts to achieve the goals of Security Council Resolution 1868. Working in concert with the Government of Afghanistan and the international community, UNAMA's work remains unfinished, but important strides have been made in the last three months that merit our consideration. -- The ongoing Afghan electoral process has not been easy, but we applaud the courage of Afghan voters and the dedication of officials who have participated in polling, tallying and adjudicating results. The United States will continue to encourage all parties to respect the Afghan institutions that have conducted these elections and will determine their outcome. While there have been serious allegations of fraud, we are pleased to see people seeking to resolve their concerns through the formal adjudication process and not through violence. The international community must support the Independent Election Commission and the Electoral Complaints Commission as they complete the difficult work of counting ballots and investigating and adjudicating incidents of fraud, in accordance with their responsibilities under Afghan law. When the new Afghan government is inaugurated, we must all quickly begin to work with it to help build its capacity to meet the needs of the Afghan people. Even as we approach the conclusion of this electoral season, however, we must also begin preparations for the 2010 parliamentary elections, which the Secretary-General's report rightly indicates must start immediately. -- In addition to its critical role in elections, UNAMA is indispensable as the coordinator of international assistance. We will work closely with the Afghan government and with UNAMA to ensure that aid is properly aligned with Afghan priorities. We have already seen good progress in this area with regard to agricultural programs, where the United States plans to double assistance next year, in keeping with Afghan priorities. International efforts to assist Afghanistan are most successful when they respond to needs identified by Afghans themselves, and the United States renews its commitment and urges other donors to work with UNAMA to reduce inefficiencies and ensure the appropriate and effective delivery of aid. -- The United States is also pleased to see progress on UNAMA's efforts to expand its presence throughout Afghanistan. As the Secretary-General's report indicates, UNAMA is on track to reach a total of 17 provincial offices by the end of this year. This expanded provincial presence, called for in Security Council Resolution 1868, will enable UNAMA to better monitor and coordinate aid programs on the ground. The United States urges the UN to approve the 2010 UNAMA budget increase and all member states to support UNAMA's outreach to the provinces by providing the personnel and resources necessary to achieve this goal. -- U.S. and ISAF troops continue to make significant efforts to avoid civilian casualties, exemplified by General McChrystal's emphasis that military operations prioritize the protection of the civilian population. This effort, which puts the Afghan people at the center of the mission, reflects the reality that the large majority of civilian deaths are caused by ruthless acts of terrorism by insurgent groups, which operate without regard for Afghan lives. The United States regrets any loss of innocent life during military operations and goes to great lengths to avoid civilian casualties. When they do occur, we provide humanitarian assistance to affected communities and conduct thorough, joint investigations with the Afghan government to determine the facts. -- The United States continues to believe that UNAMA is an essential element of our common efforts to support the Afghan people in their struggle to rebuild their country and defeat a determined enemy. We will continue to support UNAMA's critical mission, for the benefit of Afghanistan and the peace and security of the region. -- Thank you. CLINTON