VZCZCXYZ0011
OO RUEHWEB
DE RUEHC #4489 3100018
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
O R 060013Z NOV 09
FM SECSTATE WASHDC
TO RUCNDT/USMISSION USUN NEW YORK IMMEDIATE 0000
INFO RUEHBUL/AMEMBASSY KABUL 0000
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 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 priority8 for Karzai, and urged him to form a
unity government with experienced ministers and officials.
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