Window for Political Dialogue May Be Opening in Afghanistan, Ban Reports
New York, Dec 20 2010 6:10PM
There is an increasing sense that conditions for reconciliation in Afghanistan are becoming more favourable and that
there may soon be a real opportunity for a political dialogue leading to a settlement, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon
says in his latest report on the war-torn country.
“While governance, security and economic growth are strengthened under the leadership of the Government of Afghanistan,
efforts must continue to end the conflict and create the foundations for a sustainable peace through political
dialogue,” he adds, noting that the significant challenges that remain can be overcome by all sides making compromises
and with the sustained support of all stakeholders.
These include the Government and neighbouring and troop-contributing countries, the leadership of armed opposition
groups and, most important, a unified population.
“The United Nations stands ready to support this Afghan-led process – logistically, materially and technically – if the
major stakeholders agree,” he writes in his latest report to the Security Council, which includes an update on the
activities of the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA).
He calls for further efforts in terms of regional cooperation, including continued dialogue between Afghanistan and
Pakistan, to deepen political, economic and security relationships, ranging from trade policy liberalization and the
modernization of customs procedures and transport infrastructure to the energy sector and power to counter-narcotics.
The international community must be fully committed to aligning its assistance with the Government’s policies and
priorities in a flexible partnership based on dialogue, which adapts to needs and conditions on the ground.
In a review of the past three months, Mr. Ban notes that the number of security incidents was 66 per cent higher than
during the same period in 2009, with anti-government elements increasing their use of improvised explosive devices and
directly targeting civilians through abductions and assassinations, and suicide attacks averaging three per week,
primarily against international military forces, police and Government officials.
Citing the suicide attack against the UN Multi-Agency Compound in Herat in the west, the third such attack against the
world body in the past three years, he stressed that staff security “remains a major concern for the Organization.”
There were no staff casualties in this incident, and all attackers were killed before they could come near the compound.
Anti-government elements were responsible for the deaths and injuries of 4,738 civilians, or 76 per cent of the total,
during the reporting period, with suicide and improvised explosive device attacks causing most casualties. These
elements continued their intimidation campaign against perceived supporters of the Government and the international
community with 403 assassinations and executions and 219 abductions reported.
Compared with the same period in 2009, the number of civilians assassinated or executed by anti-Government elements in
2010 surged by more than 107 per cent. More than half of all civilian assassinations were carried out in southern
Afghanistan.
The continuing deterioration of the security situation has inhibited the implementation of development projects and
limited access for humanitarian activities, he writes, noting that coordinating development activities at the
sub-national level is an increasing priority for UNAMA.
Even so, 7.8 million children under five were immunized against polio during the UN-backed National Immunization Days
and 4.6 million between two and five were given de-worming tablets.
Meanwhile, the UN World Food Programme (WFP) has appealed to donors for $157 million in urgently needed funding to meet
a food shortfall of 103,600 tons for the period up to June 2011.
ENDS