United Nations Radio

In London, representatives from more than 70 countries are discussing a five-year blueprint for international cooperation with Afghanistan which is still plagued by violence and poverty.

The blueprint called an Afghanistan Compact addresses critical areas of social and economic development, security, good governance including human rights and the cross-cutting priority of the fight against the narcotics trade. The conference was opened by UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan who also co-chaired the meeting. In an opening statement the Secretary-General said Afghanistan's progress is of global concern. He warned that it is in the interest of the international community to provide assistance as the country consolidates its moves towards peace, democracy and security. Mr. Annan said this is a time for committed action, adding that the Afghans expect and deserve "a peace dividend."