VZCZCXYZ0003
OO RUEHWEB
DE RUEHC #5230 3102307
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
O P 062303Z NOV 09
FM SECSTATE WASHDC
TO RUCNDT/USMISSION USUN NEW YORK IMMEDIATE 8545
INFO RUEHBUL/AMEMBASSY KABUL PRIORITY 4360
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