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Statement by Ambassador Liu Jieyi at the Security Council Debate on the Situation in Afghanistan

2013-09-19 01:06
 

Mr. President,

I wish to thank you, Mr. President, for having convened this debate on the question of Afghanistan. Likewise, I thank the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Mr. Ján Kubiš, for his briefing, as well as the Permanent Representative of Afghanistan, Mr. Tanin, for his statement, as well as for the welcome expressed to me.

Afghanistan faces an arduous task in restoring stability and rebuilding the country. Recently, thanks to the efforts made by the Government and its people, Afghanistan has registered noticeable progress in terms of building and reconstruction, and the transition process has entered a critical stage.

In order to build an Afghanistan of stability and prosperity in which different communities live in harmony and, ultimately, realize the goal of an Afghanistan governed by Afghans, we need to support the long-term continuing efforts of Afghanistan and all parties concerned. Continuing support and help from the international community will be required.

I wish to emphasize the following points.

First, China welcomes the recent adoption of two important laws, the electoral law and the structure law; the appointment of the head of the Independent Election Commission; and the fact that the country has arrived at the stage of nominating candidates for the presidency. We hope that all Afghan parties will continue their dialogue and consultations, address their differences appropriately and promote preparations for the elections so as to ensure their success. That will be a milestone in the process of a fully successful transition and transformation in Afghanistan.

Secondly, with regard to the frequent occurrence of security incidents in Afghanistan, which have resulted in large numbers of civilian casualties, China wishes to register its concern. We call on all parties to observe international humanitarian law and related international law.

The Afghan National Security Forces have entered the final stage of preparations before they can take over security responsibilities. We hope that all parties concerned will adopt a responsible attitude, hand over security responsibilities to the Afghan Government, and focus on building the capacity of the Afghan military and police so as to ensure the successful completion of the security transition.

Thirdly, China supports an Afghan-led and Afghan-owned national reconciliation process, with a view to achieving peace and stability. We support the active role played by the High Peace Council in the promotion of national reconciliation and welcome the provision of additional support by Pakistan and other countries of the region. We hope that the international community will support and work with the Afghan Government and people in their efforts to create an enabling external environment for the reconciliation process.

Fourthly, peace building in and the reconstruction of Afghanistan will require strong support from the international community. The international community must respect the independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Afghanistan and honour its commitment to support Afghanistan, in accordance with the priorities set out in the national development strategy for Afghanistan, and support the strengthening of its capacity for autonomous economic and social development. China supports the United Nations in general and the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan in particular with respect to its playing a leading role in the coordination of international efforts to help resolve the Afghan question and rebuild the country.

Fifthly, China supports Afghanistan in its efforts to strengthen its friendly relations with neighbouring countries, conduct regional cooperation and actively tackle such common challenges as terrorism and narcotics. China will host the fourth Ministerial meeting of the Istanbul Process in Beijing next year, thereby further strengthening efforts to promote cooperation among the countries of the region and peace, stability and development in Afghanistan and in the region.

At the same time, related regional cooperation initiatives should respect the concerns of the countries of the region; make full use of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization and other regional organizations; and be conducted on the basis of consensus, through extensive consultations.

China has long been committed to developing strategic partnerships with Afghanistan. We follow closely and have been actively involved in the peace and reconstruction process in Afghanistan. China will continue to provide assistance to Afghanistan to the extent of its ability and to play a constructive role in realizing peace, stability and development in Afghanistan.

Thank you, Mr. President.

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