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 18 March 2010
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Afghanistan to take the lead in ensuring peace and good governance

18/03/2010

The Afghan representative to the UN told the Security Council on Thursday that his country is poised to put an end to ongoing violence and build a state capable of protecting its citizens.

Afghan child

Afghan child

Zahir Tannin, said in the coming year, the priority of his government will be "Afghanization", that is Afghans and Afghan priorities will take precedence in every area.

Mr. Tannin said the first step is to reverse the Taliban's momentum and improve security across the country:

"General McChrystal's new strategy, which was recently put to the test in Marjah, will begin to turn the tide. At the same time, the Afghan National Army and Police, with intensive training, equipping and resourcing, will gradually replace the international community in leading the defense of the country and the security of its people."

Ambassador Tannin said military efforts would be complemented by political and economic ones, including a plan and initial resources for a reintegration programme that would offer an alternate life to many fighting against the government.

In his latest report on Afghanistan, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon called for the international community to take concrete steps to allow Afghans to be in charge of and lead in ensuring peace and good governance. The Council is expected to vote this week on extending the mandate of UNAMA, the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan.

Diane Bailey, United Nations
Duration: 1'26"

Sound bites

Zahir Tannin, Afghan representative to the UN cut 1

"General McChrystal's new strategy, which was recently put to the test in Marjah, will begin to turn the tide. At the same time, the Afghan National Army and Police, with intensive training, equipping and resourcing, will gradually replace the international community in leading the defense of the country and the security of its people."
Duration: 21"

Zahir Tannin, Afghan representative to the UN cut 2

"The second step is reconciliation which has increasingly become the focus in our efforts to promote peace and stability in Afghanistan. In Istanbul and in London, our plans were widely supported by the countries of the region and the international community. Since then, we have engaged with regional partners at a high level to explore ways that the region could help facilitate reconciliation and to build confidence and trust in new stabilization initiatives."
Duration: 30"

Zahir Tannin, Afghan representative to the UN cut 3

"The security dimension is only the first part of this transition to Afghan ownership. Afghanistan and the international community have already laid out a plan to Afghanize security, governance, development, and to create a stronger framework for regional cooperation. The next step will be in the Kabul Conference this summer where we will move beyond strategy to focus on a detailed plan of implementation. The government of Afghanistan is concentrating on building capacity, rooting out corruption, encouraging participation, and promoting justice and rule of law. We are also working to ensure the long-term sustainability of these changes through agricultural development, expansion of infrastructure and natural resources, regional initiatives, and improved coordination. In all of these areas, Afghans will increasingly take the lead, with the support of our partners and friends."
Duration: 56"

Zahir Tannin, Afghan representative to the UN cut 4

"Nine years ago, Afghanistan was a broken country. The assistance and support of the international community has been a crucial crutch as the country has slowly begun to heal. Afghanistan is eager to stand solidly on its own feet, but we must walk before we can run. It will take time for the government and security forces to build the capacity to ensure peace and good governance across the country. The continuing commitment of the international community will therefore remain vital in the years to come. But we are on the right path. We have set a clear goal. And in the strong partnership with the international community, we can succeed."
Duration: 41"