(March 17, 2011)

I thank Special Representative of the Secretary-General De Mistura for his briefing and Ambassador Tanin for his statement.

At present, peaceful reconstruction in Afghanistan is at a critical stage. China supports the Kabul process. The peacebuilding efforts in Afghanistan in the fields of political stability, security, development and the rule of law should go hand in hand so that Afghan ownership can be achieved at an early date.

China congratulates the country on the inauguration of the Lower House of the National Assembly. We support the efforts of the Afghan Government to enhance its capacity-building and to promote the Afghanistan Peace and Reintegration Programme while implementing relevant Council resolutions.

China is very concerned over the recent and frequent occurrence of security incidents and the rising civilian casualties. The transfer of security responsibility to the Afghan Government should be preceded by ensuring the country’s safety and stability. The international community should, on the basis of respect for Afghanistan’s independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity, honour its commitments to Afghanistan and continue to provide it with assistance.

China supports the central role of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) in coordinating the assistance of the international community in reconstructing Afghanistan and effectively achieving Afghan ownership. We endorse the extension of UNAMA’s mandate for an additional 12 months. The Council should attach due importance to Afghanistan’s request that it extend UNAMA’s mandate.