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16/01/2004
Afghans faces many onerous challenges ahead, says UN envoy
The successful conclusion of Afghanistan's recent constitutional Loya Jirga "promises great hope", but the country faces "many onerous challenges" if it is to capitalize on that hope, the outgoing senior UN envoy to Afghanistan has told the Security Council.
Lakhdar Brahimi, giving his final briefing as the Secretary-General's Special Representative to Afghanistan, said that improving security around the country, strengthening the rule of law, broadening the government's popular base and increasing the pace of reconstruction were crucial goals if the gains are not to be wasted.
He said there were too many indications over the last year that there was "not enough progress" in achieving these goals.
The security situation remained poor, especially in the south, east and southeast of the country, while many Pashtuns felt the government "does not give them a fair degree of representation", according to the envoy.
Outside the Council, when questioned by reporters, Mr Brahimi said he was doubtful that Afghanistan could meet the timetable outlined at the UN-brokered Bonn conference in late 2001 of holding national presidential and legislative elections by June this year.
"I think I have said that June for the presidential and legislative elections is not realistic any more," he said.
"How this is going to be now revised - are you going to have presidential elections alone, and then later legislative elections, or postpone both for a longer period of time? - is up to the people who are going to be involved in Afghanistan."
Mr Brahimi said he expected logistical problems would delay the elections by a couple of months, but he was confident they would be held before the end of this year.
Earlier this month, the 502 delegates to the Loya Jirga, or grand council, reached agreement on establishing a constitution for Afghanistan. The new document outlines a presidential system of government, a bicameral legislature, equal rights for women and a judicial system that complies with Islam.
(gmcg)
Lakhdar Brahimi, giving his final briefing as the Secretary-General's Special Representative to Afghanistan, said that improving security around the country, strengthening the rule of law, broadening the government's popular base and increasing the pace of reconstruction were crucial goals if the gains are not to be wasted.
He said there were too many indications over the last year that there was "not enough progress" in achieving these goals.
The security situation remained poor, especially in the south, east and southeast of the country, while many Pashtuns felt the government "does not give them a fair degree of representation", according to the envoy.
Outside the Council, when questioned by reporters, Mr Brahimi said he was doubtful that Afghanistan could meet the timetable outlined at the UN-brokered Bonn conference in late 2001 of holding national presidential and legislative elections by June this year.
"I think I have said that June for the presidential and legislative elections is not realistic any more," he said.
"How this is going to be now revised - are you going to have presidential elections alone, and then later legislative elections, or postpone both for a longer period of time? - is up to the people who are going to be involved in Afghanistan."
Mr Brahimi said he expected logistical problems would delay the elections by a couple of months, but he was confident they would be held before the end of this year.
Earlier this month, the 502 delegates to the Loya Jirga, or grand council, reached agreement on establishing a constitution for Afghanistan. The new document outlines a presidential system of government, a bicameral legislature, equal rights for women and a judicial system that complies with Islam.
(gmcg)
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24 May 2004
More peacekeepers needed for Afghan elections, says Nato
Nato has said that it needs at least another 3,600 troops for its mission in Afghanistan if September's elections are to run smoothly. Returning from a visit to Kabul, Nato Parliamentary Assembly Vice-President and Defence and Security Committee Rapporteur, Pierre Lellouche warned that the NATO mission in Afghanistan was at a "critical juncture".
More peacekeepers needed for Afghan elections, says Nato
Nato has said that it needs at least another 3,600 troops for its mission in Afghanistan if September's elections are to run smoothly. Returning from a visit to Kabul, Nato Parliamentary Assembly Vice-President and Defence and Security Committee Rapporteur, Pierre Lellouche warned that the NATO mission in Afghanistan was at a "critical juncture".
07 September 2006
Commander calls for more Nato troops for Afghanistan
Nato's top commander has urged member nations to provide more troops in Afghanistan to support the current battle against Taliban militants. General James Jones said that the military alliance had been surprised by the "level of intensity" of attacks in southern Afghanistan since Nato troops moved into the region in July.
Commander calls for more Nato troops for Afghanistan
Nato's top commander has urged member nations to provide more troops in Afghanistan to support the current battle against Taliban militants. General James Jones said that the military alliance had been surprised by the "level of intensity" of attacks in southern Afghanistan since Nato troops moved into the region in July.
20 October 2004
Iraqi elections on track but security must hold, says Annan
Elections in Iraq, scheduled for January 2005, are on track but should only take place if the situation holds, UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan said following a meeting with Prime Minister Tony Blair in Downing Street yesterday.
Iraqi elections on track but security must hold, says Annan
Elections in Iraq, scheduled for January 2005, are on track but should only take place if the situation holds, UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan said following a meeting with Prime Minister Tony Blair in Downing Street yesterday.
08 September 2004
Campaigning for Afghan presidential elections begins
The campaign for Afghanistan's first open presidential election in its history formally began today, with 18 candidates heading off on the stump for the next 30 days.
Campaigning for Afghan presidential elections begins
The campaign for Afghanistan's first open presidential election in its history formally began today, with 18 candidates heading off on the stump for the next 30 days.
27 August 2004
All-postal voting should be abandoned, says watchdog
The all-postal voting pilots that were carried in northern England during the European elections were marred by problems and should not be pursued in the future, the Electoral Commission has found.
All-postal voting should be abandoned, says watchdog
The all-postal voting pilots that were carried in northern England during the European elections were marred by problems and should not be pursued in the future, the Electoral Commission has found.
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