UN gets new backing to support Afghanistan

The Security Council gave strong backing Thursday to the UN’s role in supporting Afghanistan as it takes over full responsibility for the country’s security, governance and economic and social development. The council unanimously adopted a resolution extending the mandate of the UN’s political mission in Afghanistan until March 23, 2013, and reiterating its support for the transition process that will give the government “leadership and ownership” of its future. The resolution was approved as President Barack Obama faces increasing political and public pressure to accelerate the timetable for the withdrawal of all U.S. troops after more than a decade of war. The calls to speed up the pullout from December 2014 have intensified following Afghan outrage over the burning of Qurans and a shooting spree that left 17 Afghan civilians dead, both blamed on Americans. The Security Council emphasized “that there is no purely military solution to ensure the stability of Afghanistan.” It stressed the importance of a comprehensive approach to address the security, economic, governance and development challenges in Afghanistan — and “the crucial importance” of advancing regional cooperation to meet these challenges. As the government assumes full responsibility in these sectors, the council said all Provincial Reconstruction Teams will be phased out, along with other international personnel and structures. At the same time, it stressed the importance of a continued presence of the UN mission and UN agencies in the provinces to support the Afghan government. More than two dozen Provincial Reconstruction Teams operate in Afghanistan. The joint international military-civilian units work on projects to boost support for the Afghan government of President Hamid Karzai. The Security Council said the UN will continue to lead and coordinate international civilian efforts in Afghanistan and cooperate with NATO’s civilian representatives to ensure the protection and promotion of the rights of all Afghans. It will also support the Afghan-led peace and reconciliation process and the organization of future elections if asked by the government. The top UN envoy in Afghanistan, Jan Kubis, told the Security Council on Tuesday that the recent tragic incidents should not overshadow “positive trends and developments.” “The transition so far has been on track and on target, and the Afghanistan National Security Forces have proven that they are up to the task,” he said, referring to the gradual transfer of security responsibilities from the NATO-led force to national authorities. But Kubis said the the transition must include accelerated Afghan leadership and responsibility in improving governance, the rule of law and the justice system, promoting development, combating corruption and fighting drug production and trafficking. During his two months as special representative, which have included wide-ranging talks with Afghan leaders and citizens across the country, Kubis said, “the message from the people is clear — it is time to wind down this war.”