VOTING INSTRUCTION: UNGA RESOLUTION ON THE

UNCLAS STATE 115230 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: UNGA PREL AF SUBJECT: VOTING INSTRUCTION: UNGA RESOLUTION ON THE SITUATION IN AFGHANISTAN ¶1. (U) This is an action request. The Department instructs USUN to vote in favor of the UN General Assembly resolution currently "in blue" on "The situation in Afghanistan" on November 9, 2009. USUN is authorized to provide U.S. co-sponsorship of the resolution. Post should seek additional guidance from the Department if there are any additional substantive changes to the resolution text. USUN is also instructed to draw from the points in paragraph two in delivering the U.S. Explanation of Vote. ¶2. (U) Begin discussion points: -- The United States is pleased to join the other member states who have co-sponsored this resolution on the situation in Afghanistan. This resolution recognizes the progress that the Afghan people have made in rebuilding their country, but acknowledges that more work needs to be done. We join in recognizing the Afghan government and security forces for their continuing efforts to address the challenges in the areas of security, governance, human rights, and rule of law. -- We also join in recognizing the Secretary-General, his Special Representative, the staff of UNAMA and other UN personnel, and the forces participating in the International Security Assistance Force and Operation Enduring Freedom. Their efforts are an essential part of our shared commitment to the people of Afghanistan. -- This resolution also underlines the challenges posed by those who seek to disrupt Afghan efforts to build a prosperous, stable country. Violent attacks by the Taliban, Al-Qaida and other extremist and criminal groups undermine efforts to bring stability, security and a representative government to Afghanistan, and this resolution rightly denounces them. The brutal attack on October 28 on the guesthouse in Kabul demonstrated again - - and tragically - - the need to stand firm against such violent efforts to undermine the peace and stability that the Afghan people are working so hard to establish. -- Afghanistan has now reached a conclusion to its Presidential election process. We congratulate President Karzai on his victory and we congratulate all the candidates who stood in Afghanistan's second Presidential election, in particular Dr. Abdullah. This first ever, Afghan-led Afghan election was held in challenging circumstances, but the result was in line with Afghanistan's laws and constitution. -- As we move beyond the election, the credibility and success of the new President and his government will rest on its ability to deliver better security, governance, justice and progress to the Afghan people. We stand ready to support the new government in this regard. We call on all member states to redouble their own efforts to work with the new Afghan government to promote stability and prosperity for the Afghan people and peace and security for the region. End discussion points. CLINTON