Mr President,
I would like to thank the Special Representative for his briefing today. We join others in commending the work UNAMA does in facilitating the international community’s engagement in Afghanistan and its close working relationship with the Government. Also our thanks to the Executive Director Costa for his update.
One of the core messages in the UNAMA report is that Afghanistan needs sustained and consistent support from the international community. In this context I am pleased to advise that last week New Zealand Prime Minister Helen Clark announced that New Zealand is extending the following commitments for a further year to September 2008:
In addition, two health personnel will work at the Multinational Medical Unit at Kandahar Airfield. We have also drawn on our close relationship with Singapore to incorporate a Singapore Armed Forces contribution in our PRT in Afghanistan, to undertake humanitarian tasks.
Further, and alongside our military commitments in Bamyan, New Zealand is implementing a 3-year NZ$15 million programme of assistance supporting human rights, governance, education and sustainable rural livelihoods.
With respect to today’s report, we note the Secretary-General says that successful completion of the ongoing reforms, including of the Ministry of Interior, are a precondition for achieving sustainable peace in Afghanistan. We fully endorse these comments and encourage the Government of Afghanistan to act decisively to build public confidence in its security institutions and the rule of law. It is critical that the influence of central structures is spread to all regions of Afghanistan. Like others, we are gravely concerned at the threat posed by the insurgency. We agree that a sustained holistic effort, including from Afghanistan’s neighbours, is required to address these complex issues.
We note with concern the unmet humanitarian needs of many Afghans, both those displaced by armed conflict in the south and those affected by drought in many parts of the country. We call on all parties to work toward improving coordination of humanitarian assistance and ensuring protection.
In closing Mr President, it is clear there are enormous challenges before us. The last five years have seen considerable positive progress in Afghanistan. But the job is not done and international support is still needed to build a stable and secure Afghanistan. New Zealand remains committed to helping secure Afghanistan’s future.
Thankyou Mr President.
