A/RES/61/18
and development in Afghanistan, in particular United Nations and diplomatic staff,
national and international humanitarian and development personnel, Afghan
National Security Forces, the International Security Assistance Force, as well as the
Operation Enduring Freedom coalition, and noting with concern that the lack of
security is causing some organizations to cease or curtail their humanitarian and
development work in some parts of Afghanistan,
Recognizing the progress achieved, while nonetheless remaining deeply
concerned about the problem of millions of anti-personnel landmines and explosive
remnants of war, which constitute a great danger for the population and a major
obstacle for the resumption of economic activities and for recovery and
reconstruction efforts,
Noting that, despite improvements in building the security sector, increased
terrorist attacks caused by the Taliban, Al-Qaida and other extremist groups, in
particular in the south and east of Afghanistan over the past months, and the lack of
security caused by criminal activity and the illicit production of and trafficking in
drugs, remain a serious challenge, threatening the democratic process as well as
reconstruction and economic development,
Noting also that the responsibility for providing security and law and order
throughout the country resides with the Government of Afghanistan supported by
the Assistance Force and the Operation Enduring Freedom coalition, recognizing the
institutional progress achieved in this respect, deeply concerned about the recent
increase in violence, and stressing the importance of further extending central
government authority to all parts of Afghanistan,
Commending the Afghan National Army and the Afghan National Police, the
Assistance Force and the Operation Enduring Freedom coalition for their efforts to
improve security conditions in Afghanistan,
Acknowledging, in this context, that the Afghan National Army and the Afghan
National Police require additional support to enhance their capability, including
through the provision of more modern equipment,
Stressing that regional cooperation constitutes an effective means to promote
security and development in Afghanistan,
Reaffirming in this context its continued support for the spirit and the
provisions of the Bonn Agreement of 5 December 2001, 2 of the Berlin Declaration,
including the annexes thereto, of 1 April 2004 3 and of the Afghanistan Compact of
31 January 2006, and pledging its continued support, after the successful completion
of the political transition, to the Government and people of Afghanistan as they
rebuild their country, strengthen the foundations of a constitutional democracy and
resume their rightful place in the community of nations,
Applauding the inauguration of the Afghan National Assembly on 19 December
2005, which completes the Bonn process, as well as the constitution of the
provincial councils,
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2
Agreement on Provisional Arrangements in Afghanistan Pending the Re-establishment of Permanent
Government Institutions (see S/2001/1154).
3
Available from www.unama-afg.org.
2