AFGHANISTAN: TALKING POINTS FOR SYG BAN'S

UNCLAS STATE 114489 SIPDIS SENSITIVE E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: UNSC AF SUBJECT: AFGHANISTAN: TALKING POINTS FOR SYG BAN'S NOVEMBER 6 BRIEFING TO THE UNSC 1.(U) This is an action request. USUN should draw from the points in para 2 during SYG Ban's briefing to the Security Council on November 6. ¶2. (SBU) Begin Points: -- I thank the Secretary-General for this briefing. -- The United States condemns last week's attack on UN personnel in Afghanistan. The United States condemns in the strongest terms the Taliban who claimed responsibility for the attack and continue to attempt to destabilize the country. The United States is committed to combatting all forms of terrorism and would like to emphasize that these type of attacks on UN personnel cannot continue. --As you know, the United States has consistently supported strengthening security for UN personnel ) particularly those deployed in the field ) and will continue to do so. -- The United States remains firmly committed to the United Nations and its vital work in Afghanistan. We were pleased to hear the Secretary-General affirm that despite the recent attack on UN staff, the United Nations remains committed to its mission in Afghanistan. -- The recently-concluded Afghan presidential election process confirms the importance of this mission. -- These elections were held in challenging circumstances but ultimately concluded in accordance with the Afghan constitution and electoral laws. We congratulate President Karzai on his victory. We also congratulate all the candidates who stood in Afghanistan's second Presidential election since 2001, in particular Dr. Abdullah. -- Being elected is only the first part of the process. Candidate Karzai noted the importance of providing security, creating jobs and generating economic growth, tackling corruption, and delivering effective and accountable governance to the Afghan people. As President Obama has said, the Afghan people and the international community now look to see those words translated into deeds. -- We will work with the rest of the international community to partner with, and support, the new Afghan government to help achieve these goals. -- We believe the UN should and will continue to play a central role in providing critical support to the Afghan government and people as they rebuild their country. We will endeavor to work creatively with the UN to help it face the security challenges in Afghanistan so as to ensure that the UN's mission is successful-- and we will encourage others to do the same. END POINTS ¶3. (SBU) BACKGROUND: At his first press conference after the Independent Election Commission (IEC) declared him the election victor, President Karzai thanked Dr. Abdullah and the other candidates, stating that &the new Afghan government will be one of national unity ( the door is open to everyone.8 His comments on corruption focused on civil service and legal reforms, not on the removal of high-level officials. He said he will have a strong partnership with the international community, especially the U.S., but will need to clarify our relationship with regards to assistance. How President Karzai handles Ministerial appointments will be the first key test of his Administration: we are encouraging him to ensure that key appointments are merit-based, while accepting that he will need to find room for some of his political supporters, ideally in ceremonial roles or more minor appointments. ¶4. (SBU) Dr. Abdullah stated on November 4 that he did not consider the IEC's decision to declare Karzai President as legal, but he has accepted that the elections process is over. We understand that Inauguration Day will be November 19 and are encouraging senior level participation. ¶5. (SBU) The Taliban asserted the canceling of the presidential runoff election demonstrates its successful disruption of the process, media report. Embassy Kabul notes the claim will resonate among the Afghan populace as a credible explanation for canceling the runoff. ¶6. (SBU) In London, Ban stressed that good governance had to be a &top priority8 for Karzai, and urged him to form a unity government with experienced ministers and officials. &I have specifically asked President Karzai to work together with all his political leaders who used to be presidential candidates including Dr. Abdullah Abdullah,8 he said. END BACKGROUND CLINTON