UNGA: U.S. CO-SPONSORED RESOLUTION ON AFGHANISTAN

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 04 USUN NEW YORK 001050 SIPDIS C O R R E C T E D C O P Y ADDED WEB LINKS PARA 1 , 2 , 3 E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREL PREF PGOV KPKO UNGA AF SUBJECT: UNGA: U.S. CO-SPONSORED RESOLUTION ON AFGHANISTAN SUPPORTING ELECTIONS AND SECURITY ADOPTED BY CONSENSUS USUN NEW Y 00001050 001.2 OF 004 ¶1. (U) SUMMARY: The General Assembly met in plenary to discuss the Report of the United Nations Secretary-General on the situation in Afghanistan and its implications for international peace and security. A draft resolution, co-sponsored by the United States and over 90 countries, passed by consensus. The resolution praises Afghanistan for holding elections and underscored the fight against extremism and the need to improve the security situation. The U.S. statement affirmed its support for the newly elected government and underscored the damaging role of the Taliban, Al Qaida, and other extremist groups. Delegations widely condemned the recent attacks in Kabul and called for measures to enhance security, often connecting development efforts with peace-building. Afghanistan joined the chorus in praising the recent elections, while pointing out the flaws with the process, and placed the election at the forefront of efforts to improve the rule of law and create stability. E.U. countries led calls for greater protection against civilian casualties, with most pointing out that the majority of events are caused not by international forces, but by the Taliban. Many expressed support for UNAMA's mission with several countries including Norway and Indonesia advocating for an expanded budget and mandate. Russia and a host of others emphasized the urgency of combating the flow of drugs. In addition to the United States, the following countries delivered interventions: Germany , Afghanistan, Sweden (E.U.),Norway, the Russian Federation, Pakistan, Uzbekistan, Poland, Turkey, Kuwait, Canada, New Zealand, Iran, Italy, India, Slovakia, Republic of Korea, Libya, the United Kingdom, Indonesia, Australia, and France. The press release for the debate can be found at:http://www.un.org/news/press/docs/2009/ga1 0884.doc.htm ¶2. (U) RESOLUTION CO-SPONSORED BY UNITED STATES ADOPTED BY CONSENSUS: The U.S. and over 90 other countries co-sponsored draft resolution A/64/L.8, which was adopted by consensus at the close of the session. The resolution expresses concern at the security situation in Afghanistan, underscores the fight against terrorist and extremist groups, calls for increased and improved civilian-military relations, and praises the country for holding national elections. Full text of the draft resolution can be found at:http://daccess-dds-ny-un.org/doc/undoc/LTD /n09/593/89/pdf/no959389.p df?OpenELment ¶3. (U) UNITED STATES AFFIRMS SUPPORT FOR NEW GOVERNMENT: Ambassador Erdman delivered the U.S. intervention, recognizing the continuing efforts of the Afghan government and security forces in addressing the "challenges in security, governance, human rights, and the rule of law." It stressed that "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." The U.S. promised to "support the new government" in delivering better "security, governance, justice and economic progress to the Afghan people." Full text of the U.S. statement can be accessed at: http://usun.state.gov/briefing/statements/200 9/131690.htm ¶4. (U) DELEGATES COMMENT ON ROLE OF THE UNITED STATES, ISAF, AND PRT'S: Pakistan affirmed the importance of its "security and intelligence cooperation, including through the Tripartite Commission, which also includes the United States and the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF). This cooperation is essential to cement our gains in the campaign against terrorism and extremism." Pakistan stressed the importance of preventing cross-border movements, highlighting its efforts to create 1000 border posts with Afghanistan. Pakistan also stressed the need for the GOA and ISAF to step-up border protection measures on the Afghan-side of the border. Poland noted the importance of creating effective civil-military cooperation, pointing to its contribution of 30 civilian personnel working with the US-led PRT in Ghazni as a noteworthy effort. New Zealand said that it welcomes "ISAF Commander, General McChrystal's renewed focus on training and mentoring" and affirmed that "empowering Afghan forces to lead on security in Afghanistan is a key commitment for the international community." Iran commented that the "military operations by foreign forces is yet another concern preoccupying the people of Afghanistan." Iran suggested "instead of dispatching more troops to the country, the Afghan National Army and Police should be strengthened in an expeditious manner." Italy reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to its troop contribution and in fighting terrorism and the cultivation of narcotic drugs. Australia noted its plans to increase troop numbers in Afghanistan from 1,100 to around 1,550 as well as providing funding of $US200 million over five years to the Afghan National Army Trust Fund. Numerous countries stressed the importance of PRT's and highlighted their own contributions to the teams, the Republic of Korea citing its recently announced plans to launch a PRT and noting its support of a Korean medical and vocational training team co-located with the U.S. PRT in Bagram. ¶5. (U) AFGHANISTAN NOTES IMPROVEMENTS, BLASTS THE TALIBAN, USUN NEW Y 00001050 002.2 OF 004 AND CALLS FOR RECONCILIATION: Afghan Permanent Representative Ambassador Zahir Tanin claimed that the situation has improved, pointing out that "eight years ago, we were debating how to build what did not exist: a government, an army and police force, and a functioning economic and social life." Tanin said that the emphasis is now on building an "effective government, a well-trained army and police, and a productive economy." He took a hard line on extremist elements, explaining that "we missed the chance to wipe out the Taliban, al-Qaeda and other terrorists." Later, the Ambassador claimed that "our aim is not to kill every Taliban fighter," but instead to isolate them and to "earn the trust of the people, and encourage the engagement of Afghan civilians in the peace and reconciliation process." In the spirit of reconciliation, Afghanistan will "welcome any Afghan who is willing to join the peace process and respect the Afghan Constitution." Tanin called the elections "as free as possible, as fair as possible, and as transparent as possible" given that they took place in an "emerging democracy threatened by conflict." Tanin said that in moving forward, Afghanistan will "create and maintain two compacts: one with the Afghan people, and one with the international community." He stated that the domestic compact will emphasize good governance, economic development, and the rule of law, while the compact with the international community will emphasize "our shared commitment to pursue security, development and good governance." ¶6. (U) KABUL ATTACKED CONDEMNED: Nearly every country immediately condemned the recent bombing of a UN facility in Kabul. In reference to the event, Poland reflected a sentiment expressed by many delegations, stating that it "reiterates its determination to combat all forms of terrorism and strongly condemns all acts of terror, especially directed against those who work towards the country's stability and security." Kuwait "decries the increase in targeting United Nations missions, since this leads to an increase in the number of victims among civilian Afghanis." France expressed support for the families of the victims and to the Afghans who had been "sorely tested" in this situation. Sweden affirmed that the "E.U. salutes half a century of UN commitment to Afghanistan and hopes that it will be possible, following its security review, for the UN presence there to return to full strength." ¶7. (U) ELECTIONS PRAISED DESPITE FLAWS: Sweden reaffirmed that the "European Union has supported these elections, and the Afghan institutions responsible for conducting them, throughout the process and will continue to do so" and noted that they "stand ready to assist Afghanistan to review and improve the electoral system." Poland said "participation in the election by young people as well as the public engagement in the election campaign, provide us with grounds for cautious optimism" but also noted that it deplores "the numerous electoral irregularities and fraud." Turkey praised the fact that Afghanistan has now been through two elections, noting that "each election experience undoubtedly constitutes a step in strengthening democracy." India commended the "determination of the Afghan people who participated in this historic election process, notwithstanding threats and intimidation by the Taliban." New Zealand welcomed "the respect shown by all parties for the electoral complaints process," and said "attention must now be focused on securing a safe and secure future for Afghanistan. To this end we call on President Karzai to move swiftly to form a new, inclusive, credible and effective Government." ¶8. (U) E.U. DELEGATIONS STRESS PREVENTION OF CIVILIAN CASUALTIES: Germany clearly defined the debate on civilian casualties, noting that "on the one hand, the resolution clearly stresses the fact that the Taliban, al-Qaida and other extremist and criminal groups are responsible for the wide majority of civilian casualties" while "on the other hand, the resolution calls on the security forces to continue its intensified efforts aimed at ensuring the protection of civilians." Germany mentioned that it may be necessary to review the tactics used by security forces in this regard. Sweden said that the priority of the E.U. is to ensure that a stable security environment allows the development agenda to move forward and in this regard that "everything possible should be done to avoid civilian casualties." Poland expressed that it "deeply regrets any civilian casualty" and added "the Taliban and other anti-Government elements are responsible for almost three-fourths of civilian deaths." Poland said protection of the Afghan population is "the central and essential element of the international presence in Afghanistan." Libya stated there must be programs to ensure the security of Afghan civilians and expressed concern that the report of the Secretary General does not mention detention centers and a determination as to whether human rights are being upheld there. The United Kingdom commented that "any civilian life lost is a tragedy" and contrasted its USUN NEW Y 00001050 003.2 OF 004 efforts at protecting lives to that of the Taliban, which it claimed is responsible for most civilian deaths. ¶9. (U) THE TALIBAN: INDIA SAYS NO TO "GOOD" AND "BAD" DICHOTOMIES: The Russian Federation stated that the isolation of extremist groups should remain a priority for Afghanistan and the international community. Pakistan declared that "the core of violence and conflict in Afghanistan emanate from terrorist groups, foreign militants such as Al-Qaeda, and militant Taliban who are not prepared to reconcile." India said that it is time to "go beyond unworkable divisions between 'good' and 'bad' Taliban" and said that "terrorism cannot be compartmentalized," adding "Faustian bargains with terrorists often result in such forces turning on the very powers that sustained them in the past." ¶10. (U) RUSSIA AND OTHERS STRESS URGENCY OF CURTALING THE DRUG TRADE: Russia contended that efforts to control the trafficking of drugs in Afghanistan have thus far been ineffective and called for intensifying international efforts to stem the flow of the drug trade including creating tighter controls to monitor money laundering. Russia referenced the "Channel Operation," a recent operation involving 139,000 officials in Afghanistan that led to 26,000 criminal cases, as one successful endeavor in the long fight to combat trafficking. Pakistan claimed that the insecurity of the country is "exploited by criminals and drug traffickers" and "is the greatest factor impeding progress in Afghanistan." Uzbekistan pointed out the links between the drug trade and the financing of militants and noted that the narcotics issue underscores that the situation in Afghanistan cannot be fixed via military means alone. Kuwait claimed that "the strong ties that exist between the drug trade and the terrorist activities of the extremist group pose a serious threat to security, the rule of law and the development of the country." Iran holds that combating drug trafficking "requires a long-term and multi-faceted strategy" and urged the international community to do more. ¶11. (U) SECURITY, DEVELOPMENT, AND THE RULE OF LAW: Many delegations focused on the promotion of security, development, and the rule of law. Turkey stated that a comprehensive approach to Afghanistan must account for linkages between "security, governance, rule of law, human rights and social and economic development." It stressed the need for the "Afghan military and police to take the lead and ownership of national security." Pakistan stressed that "peace and economic development in Afghanistan can be brought only by a stable government enjoying the majority support of Afghan people." Pakistan underscored that the "key to long-term stability in Afghanistan is capacity building of Afghanistan's security institutions: the Afghan National Army, the Afghan National Police, and the relevant Ministries." Slovakia stressed the importance of addressing key humanitarian and health concerns, mentioning the fact that the country remains amongst the four countries with the worst success rates in eradicating polio, and lauding its work with UNICEF in providing vaccinations to 250,000 children there. Indonesia placed some of the development burden on Afghanis, stating that "every Afghan has to embrace development and embrace a new Afghanistan." Sweden acknowledged the "key role of Pakistan for stability in the region." Germany emphasized fight corruption as a key to achieving good governance and creating "an enabling legal and political environment for stability." Germany hopes that the resolution will encourage "the implementation of Afghan-led reintegration, reconciliation and transitional justice processes." ¶12. (U) SUPPORT FOR UNAMA: Norway noted that the "key role played by UNAMA in Afghanistan is reflected in the significant increase in the mission's budget for 2010" and stressed that "only with a sufficient level of predictable funding will UNAMA be able to implement its mandate effectively. We should not expect more from the UN than we are willing to invest in it." Indonesia called for an expansion of UNAMA's capabilities, resources, and country-wide presence. Canada called upon "the international community to unite behind UNAMA and give it the necessary tools to continue its work in Afghanistan" and stressed that UNAMA must play a major coordination and outreach role "in the more difficult areas of the country." The United Kingdom affirmed its support of UNAMA and the difficult work they do in a challenging operational environment. ¶13. (U) REFUGEE SITUATION HIGHLIGHTED BY PAKISTAN AND IRAN: Pakistan bemoaned the long-term refugee situation, noting that it has "housed over three million Afghan refugees for the last three decades" and underscoring the "enormous social, economic and security costs already paid by the USUN NEW Y 00001050 004.2 OF 004 people of Pakistan." Pakistan "remains committed to the voluntary, gradual, safe and dignified return of all Afghan refugees." Iran noted that it has "extended its hospitality to over three million Afghan nationals throughout the past three decades" and that there remain one million registered and one million unregistered refugees in Iran. Wolff