AFGHANISTAN AT THE UN | Afghanistan Mission to the UN in New York

General Assembly debate on The Situation in Afghanistan

November 27, 2012 By Afghan Mission

Statement By H.E. Dr. Zahir Tanin Ambassador and Permanent Representative of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan at the General Assembly debate on agenda item 38 The Situation in Afghanistan

Mr. President,

Excellencies,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

It is an honor to be here today to discuss the situation in Afghanistan. Today we adopt a resolution, which reaffirms this body’s commitment to Afghanistan’s peace, stability, and prosperity.

I wish to take the opportunity to express my appreciation to those who contributed to the resolution, especially the German delegation headed by H.E. Ambassador Peter Wittig, for their dedication and leadership throughout the process. We extend a special thanks to Daniel Schemske for his role in facilitating the negotiations.

Mr. President,

In 2001, after the overthrow of the Taliban regime, Afghanistan was a broken state with an economy in shambles, a shattered infrastructure, and a society wearied by years of conflict. Virtually no aspect of life in our country had been untouched by war. Since then, Afghanistan has come a long way, and yet, we still have far to go. Our path to lasting peace and sustainable development has not been without its challenges. On the way forward, the supporting role of the international community will be important, and will have a considerable effect on how successful the Afghan Government’s efforts can be.

Afghanistan is approaching the end of a period, with the end of the existing framework of international military engagement and with all focus on transition to Afghan led security, governance and development. Transition in Afghanistan did not start in a vacuum. It took us 11 years to reach this point. International involvement began over a decade ago seeking to eliminate the threat posed by Al Qaeda and its regional terrorist allies to global and regional peace and security. After long years of conflict and war, a broad international coalition engaged with a commitment to see Afghanistan through on its path to peace and stability. It was not only a military effort though; the most important thing for Afghans was to rebuild the state effectively. Afghanistan started its journey a decade ago, in regaining an internal and international legitimate, peaceful role, not only in the region but also worldwide. Since 2001, significant achievements have been made from the building of schools and roads, to advancement of women to continuing economic growth and strengthening of our security forces. Today, women are playing a vital role across all sectors of Afghan society and are offered more economic opportunities, millions of Afghan boys and girls are enrolled in schools, and increasing numbers of Afghan people now have access to basic health services.

Afghanistan is in a fundamentally different place from where we were in 2001, a time in which the control of provinces changed hands constantly, human rights were routinely violated, violence prevailed, and the central authority lost its relevance and power under the pressure of internal confrontations. Eleven years later, Afghanistan is looking with hope into the future, to stand on its feet and move towards normalization.

Mr. President,

In April 2014, Afghanistan will hold its third Presidential elections to choose its new leadership, and by the end of 2014 the last foreign combat forces will leave the country. With the election and the end of the military phase of international support, a new chapter in Afghanistan is unfolding; one characterized by consolidated national sovereignty, self-reliance, and stabilization of the situation. These simultaneous events represent the beginning of a sustainability decade, involving mainly a number of vital, interconnected elements in the short and long term: withdrawal of tens of thousands of combat forces; the transfer of full security responsibility to the Afghan National Army and Police; the new arrangement of the post-2014 international military engagement; the organization of free and fair elections; reconciliation aimed at ending the violence and bringing the armed opposition into the peace process, and; capacity-building for a sustainable and functioning state able to maintain peace, stability and democracy in the country for the years to come.

Therefore, Mr. President, the transition framework is the only path for long-term stability in Afghanistan, putting the Afghan people in the centre of the management of security, governance and development of the country. For the success of this transition we need the strong, long-term support, and delivery of the international community.

In the last two years, the transition process, was buttressed by establishing new partnerships with the international community and attempts for turning negative potential into positive through seeking new forms of cooperation in our neighborhood and greater region. Afghanistan has worked with international partners over the last two years to forge agreements on strategies to face the evolving situation in the country, and address all necessary elements of a successful transition. From Lisbon to Chicago, we worked to map out the security transition. It is about enabling Afghan forces until and after 2014, sustaining logistical and financial support, and also providing Afghanistan the necessary assistance for forces to work under the pressures of circumstances. These plans are now in motion. The security transition is on track in its third tranche during which 75% of the country will be under control of Afghan Security Forces. Afghan forces are ready to take full control as planned before the withdrawal of international forces in 2014.

We see the decision at the Chicago NATO Summit concerning the shifting role of the international military to training, advising and assisting mission, as an important indication of enduring support for the Afghan people. Although there are more details that are yet to be determined, it is important for Afghanistan to have the necessary guarantee for continuing military support, as it assumes full responsibility for security in the country. The post-2014 international military engagement in Afghanistan is part of the security agreement that we have recently begun to discuss with the United States in light of our strategic partnership. Based on our national interests, we would like to see this negotiation take us to an agreement that ensures long-term peace and stability in the country. The importance of national sovereignty remains at the heart of the Afghan perspective in any talks about future engagement between Afghanistan and its international partners.

Mr. President,

A successful transition is about successful elections. The government of Afghanistan is committed to the organizing of fair, free and democratic elections that can regenerate new energies for consolidating peace and stability. We would like to see the international community continue to support the upcoming election process. We are certain that the election process will help to bring more certainty to the Afghan people about the political transition. Furthermore, the broader participation of the Afghan people – inclusive of women and men from all walks of life, and with the engagement of civil society – will help the next elections become a new venue for national consensus and unity; a reflection of our shared vision for building a better future.

The elections should be seen in connection with the ongoing major effort aimed at bringing stability and an end to violence, that of a search for a political solution. We have witnessed visible progress in the peace process with the Taliban and other armed opposition groups. Serious steps are being taken to prepare the ground responsibly for peace talks and a possible breakthrough in the reconciliation process. Let there be no doubt, our peace process will not continue at the expense of the hard won progress of the past decade, including human rights, in particular the rights of women. It is important to note that there is now a consensus about the necessity of an Afghan-led, Afghan-owned peaceful solution and the peace process is increasingly seen as a crosscutting issue, required for the success of transition. We are encouraged by the increasing positive thinking among a growing number of the armed opposition and support of other main actors for the peace process. The recent visit of the delegation of the High Peace Council to Islamabad, and the release of a number of Taliban prisoners by the government of Pakistan are important developments for creating an atmosphere conducive to a political solution.

The efforts here at the UN have also been essential steps towards building the necessary trust and confidence in the peace and reconciliation process. We are happy to see the continuing focus of the Security Council and the greater role the Afghan Government now plays in the listing and delisting efforts of the 1988 sanctions committee. The commitment by the Security Council has been clearly displayed this week as the Chairman of the High Peace Council was asked to brief the 1988 committee and the members of the Security Council on the progress made in the reconciliation process. This is an opportunity to represent Afghanistan’s intention to have a greater role with regard to the committee’s work.

Mr. President,

A successful transition will allay concerns about the possible vacuum created by the end of the military phase. In that sense, what is essential in the long-term is the economic sustainability of the Afghan state. Afghanistan assisted by its international partners is working to ensure that the Afghan state can function effectively, moving from a primarily aid economy, to a self-sustaining one during the transition and transformation period. The Tokyo Conference in July has made significant steps toward addressing this issue by a clear expression of long-term financial commitment and presenting a shared vision in the mutual accountability framework that addresses the need of our Government for core funding and the need of our development partners to know that the money will be spent well. In Tokyo the international community committed to continued engagement in Afghanistan, while the Afghan Government committed to being financially responsible and focusing on good governance.

Ending corruption and ensuring a transparent and efficient administration which enjoys the full trust of the Afghan people remains a high priority. In this regard, the Afghan Government has redoubled its commitment to rule of law and good governance. H.E. President Karzai’s decree of 21 July presents a comprehensive approach instructing all Ministries, agencies and independent departments to implement measures and reforms to eliminate corruption and improve transparency.

Mr. President,

Global engagement in the last decade has brought an unprecedented level of regional and international interaction in Afghanistan. Afghanistan has become a meeting place of dozens of global and regional powers and organizations. The international community has been linked to the stabilization and reconstruction efforts in the country, a fact that is reflected in the level of troop contributions, financial support, and institution building. As we complete the transition, the current form of involvement will be replaced by a multitude of bilateral and multilateral cooperation between the Afghan state and its global and regional partners. On this basis we have begun developing various mechanisms for how to bring the greater region together for political economic, and security cooperation. At the center of this effort is the Istanbul Process.

Over the course of this year we have seen the Istanbul Process gain noteworthy momentum in its efforts to unite the Heart of Asia countries towards the shared goal of peace and prosperity in Afghanistan, its region, and beyond. The Istanbul Process is turning into a central forum for regional cooperation that will enhance and bring coherence to regional initiatives through the confidence-building measures and various mechanisms for cooperation to which we committed. With effective regional cooperation, Afghanistan is reclaiming its historic role in the region, with the potential to serve as a trade and transport hub as well as a catalyst for broader collaboration.

Mr. President,

Afghanistan’s future is about sustainability. It is about consolidating our successes and not losing what we have worked to achieve over the past decade. For the remainder of transition, we must not fall behind in our efforts, for even a moment. The next two years are vital for the country. The Government of Afghanistan is committed to working each day to help the Afghan people by developing infrastructure, protecting human rights, enhancing good governance, and improving delivery of services as outlined in the resolution we pass here today.

However, Mr. President, the continuation of a violent campaign by the enemies of peace, stability and prosperity remains the greatest challenge to Afghanistan’s progress. The irresponsible, vicious attacks against innocent Afghans, by the Taliban and other extremist armed groups, are aiming to undermine our hard-earned achievements. But the Afghan people will not be deterred from their struggle to bring peace and security in the country and eliminate sources of destabilization. It is important that this struggle is supported by all who want to see an end to terrorism and extremism. That is why close cooperation in the region including with Pakistan, is essential. As H.E. President Karzai emphasized in his letter to Pakistani leaders on 13 October, there is need for both countries take a coordinated, collaborative, and serious action with strong determination against terrorism and extremism.

Mr. President,

The last decade in Afghanistan has seen historical strides. There are some who talk about a coming disaster as the international forces leave. We do not subscribe to such negative interpretations, but of course, the future of Afghanistan hangs on many “ifs.” We are realistic in recognizing the variables in the coming years, but it is our responsibility, together with the international community to reduce uncertainties. We do not see transition as a cliff that could be fallen from with just one false step. The transition is more than an idea; it is a concrete concept, with real resources and deliberate plans; plans that can shape realities. Afghanistan looks forward to working with the international community in the coming years to achieve the noble objective of bringing a lasting peace, stability and prosperity to the country.

I thank you.

The Rule of Law at the National and International Levels in the Sixth Committee of the United Nations General Assembly

October 11, 2012 By Afghan Mission

Statement by H.E. Zahir Tanin Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Afghanistan to the United Nations At the Meeting on Agenda Item: 83 The Rule of Law at the National and International Levels in the Sixth Committee of the United Nations General Assembly

Mr. Chairman,

We wish to thank the Secretary General for his report “Strengthening and Coordinating United Nations rule of law activities,” – contained in document A/67/296. My delegation associates itself with the statement delivered by the Islamic Republic of Iran, on behalf of the Non-Aligned Movement.

Mr. Chairman,

The undeniable fact remains that the rule of law is the fundamental basis for a stable and harmonious world order, where mankind as a whole is able to benefit from peace, security, development, social progress and prosperity. This underscores the obvious – that in strengthening the rule of law, nationally, and internationally, we have a shared interest and collective responsibility.

As in past sessions, our discussion exemplifies that the UN attaches high priority to the agenda item under our consideration. In this context, we commend the UN’s important role in the overall effort to strengthen the rule of law, both at the national and international levels. From constitution making, to helping States reform their national legal systems, and build capacity in their justice and security institutions, the UN is playing a key role in enabling countries to achieve stable and harmonious societies, governed by the rule of law.

Mr. Chairman,

Based on our own difficult past, characterized by decades-long conflict and strife, which left our state-institutions devastated and in shambles, Afghanistan is keenly aware of both the importance of, and challenges associated with, consolidating the rule of law. It was only eleven years ago when we began our state-building efforts, with the support of the international community. Ever since, the rule of law has been at the core of strategy to restore a lasting peace and stability, and to enable Afghans to take full charge of meeting their security, governance and development needs.

We have taken a wide range of measures to strengthen governance, and the rule of law at both the national and sub-national levels. Among them include the promulgation of a constitution, promoting and protecting the rights of all citizens; a comprehensive overhaul of our national legal framework; as well as action plans to build capacity in our state-institutions.

In the area of security, we successfully implemented our security sector reform (SSR), leading to the formation of a national army and police, representative of the national character of our society. As we speak, Afghan national security forces are increasingly taking charge of combat operations throughout the country, with the overall aim to achieve full security responsibility by end of 2014. Taking this opportunity, we wish to mention the important support provided by the international community, including partner countries, and the United Nations, UNDP in particular, to our SSR initiative.

Mr. Chairman,

Defeating corruption and achieving a sound transparent and efficient administration which enjoys the full trust and confidence of the Afghan people continues to be pursued as a matter of high priority. This past July President Karzai issued a Decree, instructing all Ministries, agencies and independent departments to implement comprehensive measures, including reforms, to defeat corruption and enhance transparency.

Mr. Chairman,

Afghanistan stands in full support of the outcome of the High-level Meeting on the Rule of Law, which convened on the 24 of September, last month. As a first of its kind, the historic gathering brought together member-states, non-governmental organizations, and civil society to map-out the way forward in the rule of law agenda. The onus is on all of us now to translate political commitments to reality.

The High-Level Meeting’s Declaration underscores the importance of national ownership in the rule of law’s activities. In this connection, we emphasize that international support should be aligned with the respective assistance needs, and priorities of States. Such will benefit effective utilization and efficient use of aid.

Mr. Chairman,

The UN has a pivotal role to play in strengthening the rule of law. We feel that more could be done to further increase the UN’s operational capability in this area. The Rule of Law Coordination and Resource Group, Chaired by the Deputy Secretary General, and supported by the Rule of Law Unit, is mandated to ensure the overall quality, coordination and coherence of rule of law assistance within the UN System. It is imperative that the Resource and Coordination Group have at its disposal the resources necessary to effectively carry out its mandate.

Afghanistan fully supports the continued consideration of the rule of law agenda in the General Assembly, and other organs of the United Nations. We consider it imperative to integrate the rule of law into all pillars of the UN’s activities, such as peace and security, development, human-rights and alleviation of poverty.

Mr. Chairman,

In conclusion, let me reiterate Afghanistan’s continued commitment to helping advance the rule of law at the national and international levels!

Statement by H.E. Zahir Tanin Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Afghanistan at the meeting on Crime and Drugs in the Third Committee of the United Nations General Assembly

October 10, 2012 By Afghan Mission

Mr. Chairman,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

As this is the first time my delegation is taking the floor, please allow me to congratulate you, Mr. Chairman, and all members of the Bureau on your election. Let me assure you of my delegation’s full support and cooperation throughout the work of this committee.

I would also like to express my appreciation to the Secretary-General and the Executive Director of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) for their comprehensive reports, which provide an annual analysis of the efforts of the international community in combating consumption, production, and trafficking of illicit drugs.

Mr. Chairman,

The problem of narcotics, with all its dimensions, is an international challenge. UNODC’s 2012 World Drug Report highlights this fact. The vicious cycle of production, trafficking and consumption of narcotics must be addressed through genuine, comprehensive global and regional strategies. It is all three aspects of the cycle that create the threat of narcotic drugs. While the Afghan Government is committed to addressing the issue of poppy cultivation in Afghanistan, production does not occur without the persistent problems of trafficking and consumption. There is not one origin of the problem, but three interconnected and complex challenges. Mr. Chairman, the responsibility to eliminate the threat of narcotic drugs, and address all three areas of its existence is an unshakable task that we share internationally.

Mr. Chairman,

In Afghanistan, the illicit drug trade is a part of the conflict economy, which thrives on the continuation of insecurity and instability. Afghan farmers are faced with immense pressure as a result of demand for poppy cultivation. They often fall into poppy production out of desperate, misguided attempts to emerge from war-induced poverty, or due to coercion from traffickers. However, Afghan farmers only receive a small fraction of the sale of their crops while the vast majority of profits are made outside of Afghanistan’s borders by traffickers and often support networks of global crime and terrorism. While the narcotics industry extends far beyond the Afghan farmer, the cultivation of poppy is a serious issue that must be addressed resolutely. This is why the Afghan Government is committed to eliminating poppy production, strengthening the rule of law and promoting economic prosperity.

Nevertheless, the efforts toward eradication are complicated. We must fight the perception that those who seek to keep the drug industry alive are supporting the livelihoods of Afghan farmers, while those who seek to eradicate poppy are punishing them. This is why creating alternative livelihoods for farmers and promoting economic opportunities are crucial.

Mr. Chairman,

Despite prevailing challenges, Afghanistan has made tangible progress in combating narcotics over the course of the last few years. We have developed policies in three key areas: creating alternative livelihoods, boosting anti-drug trafficking efforts and reducing demand. We also revised our Five-year National Drug Control Strategy where we identify four key areas to disrupt the illicit drug trade, strengthen and diversify rural livelihoods and reducing demand for illicit drugs.

With invigorated efforts, we managed to reduce poppy cultivation from 193,000 hectares to 131,000 hectares in Afghanistan during the last 5 years. We have succeeded to increase the number of poppy-free provinces from 6 to 17. However, as we have recently seen, as a result of the increase in international demand, once declared poppy-free provinces can be lost. We must continue to address cultivation; this year we have managed to eradicate close to 10,871 hectares of poppy fields which shows an increase of three times the eradication of last year. Moreover, we have had significant achievements in the law enforcement sector. For instance 542 tons of opium and its derivatives were seized which is three times more compared to last year figures; 2,331 suspects were arrested which is a 24% increase when compared to last year’s total; and the arrest of public service officials who had supported or facilitated the drug trafficking activities was another strong measure taken last year.

These achievements have not come about without a cost. Hundreds of Afghan police officers have sacrificed their lives in eradication of poppy fields. Compared with 2011, this year we have experienced higher security related incidents during eradication operations showing the strong correlation between insecurity and poppy cultivation in Afghanistan.

Mr. Chairman,

The link between narcotics and terrorism is of profound concern as terrorist groups in our region are financed in part by profits from trading in drugs. The first report of the Analytical Support and Sanctions Implementation Monitoring team, pursuant to Security Council Resolution 1988 of 2011, explains that narcotics are the primary source of funding for the Taliban and terrorist organizations in the region. By halting narcotics production in Afghanistan, we eliminate a significant source of funding for the Taliban and terrorist groups. Therefore, an anti-narcotics plan for Afghanistan is also a counter-terrorism plan.

Mr. Chairman,

We are convinced that eliminating this dangerous and destructive threat, which has regional and international implications, will require sincere regional cooperation. Afghanistan has, in many regional cooperation forums indicated its strong commitments to this end, and hosted the “Heart of Asia Ministerial Conference” in Kabul in June, to further strengthen the cooperation among the countries of our region. One of the main Confidence Building Measures adopted at this conference is cooperation and interaction among regional countries in the area of counter-narcotics, including through countering the production, trafficking and consumption of opium and other narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances, and their precursors.

Afghanistan has also been represented at a number of key international conferences including the “International Conference of Ministers of Foreign Relations and Heads of Specialized National Agencies against the World Drug Problem”, in Peru this year and importantly, the Third Ministerial Conference of the Paris Pact Partners, which was held in Vienna in February. The Paris Pact is a keystone of the international community’s fight against illicit traffic in opiates. These forums provide an important opportunity to exchange ideas and build on strategies to address this multifaceted issue. Illicit drugs pose a challenge that we all face, and my delegation believes that with strong regional and international cooperation, we can address that challenges at the three necessary levels: production, trafficking, and consumption.

Mr. Chairman,

Through these discussions, we must remember that narcotics are hardly an abstract issue: drug abuse is a concrete, life-altering problem that has very tangible consequences for far too many people all over the world. Drug addiction is a human issue that can rob individuals of their livelihood and happiness. Unfortunately, Afghanistan is no exception to this reality. Like other countries in the world, many of our people also suffer the pernicious effects of drug addiction. Drug addiction causes chronic unemployment and curbs economic, social, and political progress in Afghanistan. A drug addict is unable to function at anywhere near his full potential, and usually cannot maintain steady employment or a healthy family life.

Mr. Chairman,

In conclusion, please allow me to reiterate the commitment of the people and Government of Afghanistan in the fight against narcotics. We look forward to working with our regional and international partners in taking decisive action to address this global threat.

Thank you.