Menu
18/08/2004
Violence and drug trade threatens Afghan peace: Annan
The forthcoming elections - and lasting peace - in Afghanistan is being threatened by rising extremist violence, factionalism and the burgeoning illicit drug industry, Secretary-General Kofi Annan has said.
Violent attacks and cross-border infiltrations have increased, especially in Afghanistan's south, he said and these activities are "effectively depriving many communities of the benefits of economic and political reconstruction".
Violence - both terrorist and criminal - is carried out "with seeming impunity" resulting in "the loss of too many Afghan lives and increasingly of those of international assistance workers," he added.
But he said that the high rate of voter registrations - more than 9.9 million people have now enrolled, with 41% of them female - showed that the groups responsible for the violence are politically isolated ahead of presidential and parliamentary polls.
The voter registrations are "a clear response to the efforts of the Taliban and other extremist groups to derail the elections and to exclude women from public life", Mr Annan added in his report to the Security Council.
But he noted that registration remains uneven in some provinces because potential voters and electoral workers have been deterred by the threat of violence.
The Secretary-General said Afghanistan's illicit drug trade is burgeoning, with at least one initiative by the country's authorities to eradicate opium poppy fields "largely ineffective". As a result, corruption caused by the drug trade is also on the rise.
However, Mr Annan said he was encouraged by Nato's recent decision to commit more troops to stabilizing the country.
(gmcg)
Violent attacks and cross-border infiltrations have increased, especially in Afghanistan's south, he said and these activities are "effectively depriving many communities of the benefits of economic and political reconstruction".
Violence - both terrorist and criminal - is carried out "with seeming impunity" resulting in "the loss of too many Afghan lives and increasingly of those of international assistance workers," he added.
But he said that the high rate of voter registrations - more than 9.9 million people have now enrolled, with 41% of them female - showed that the groups responsible for the violence are politically isolated ahead of presidential and parliamentary polls.
The voter registrations are "a clear response to the efforts of the Taliban and other extremist groups to derail the elections and to exclude women from public life", Mr Annan added in his report to the Security Council.
But he noted that registration remains uneven in some provinces because potential voters and electoral workers have been deterred by the threat of violence.
The Secretary-General said Afghanistan's illicit drug trade is burgeoning, with at least one initiative by the country's authorities to eradicate opium poppy fields "largely ineffective". As a result, corruption caused by the drug trade is also on the rise.
However, Mr Annan said he was encouraged by Nato's recent decision to commit more troops to stabilizing the country.
(gmcg)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
23 September 2015
New LGBT Domestic Violence Service Launched
A new domestic violence service for the Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender (LGBT) community has been launched by Birmingham Community Safety Partnership (BCSP). The new service, the first of its kind in the Midlands, hopes to encourage members of the LGBT community to seek help, BCSP said.
New LGBT Domestic Violence Service Launched
A new domestic violence service for the Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender (LGBT) community has been launched by Birmingham Community Safety Partnership (BCSP). The new service, the first of its kind in the Midlands, hopes to encourage members of the LGBT community to seek help, BCSP said.
02 November 2012
Bus Driver Assaulted In Westminster
Police Officers from the joint Metropolitan Police Service and Transport for London Safer Transport Command Workplace Violence Unit are appealing for help in identifying a man following an assault on a bus driver in Westminster.
Bus Driver Assaulted In Westminster
Police Officers from the joint Metropolitan Police Service and Transport for London Safer Transport Command Workplace Violence Unit are appealing for help in identifying a man following an assault on a bus driver in Westminster.
03 April 2009
Domestic Violence Board Expands To Include Sexual Attacks
The MPA Domestic Violence Board is formally expanding its remit and oversight responsibilities to include sexual violence and will re-launch as the Domestic and Sexual Violence Board today. Cindy Butts, MPA member and Chair of the Board said: "This is an exciting and challenging step forward.
Domestic Violence Board Expands To Include Sexual Attacks
The MPA Domestic Violence Board is formally expanding its remit and oversight responsibilities to include sexual violence and will re-launch as the Domestic and Sexual Violence Board today. Cindy Butts, MPA member and Chair of the Board said: "This is an exciting and challenging step forward.
09 March 2009
More Help Given To Victims Of Sexual Violence
More funding to help improve the emergency centres that help victims of sexual assault, was announced by Health Minister Ann Keen today. The National Support Team on Response to Sexual Violence will receive a £1.
More Help Given To Victims Of Sexual Violence
More funding to help improve the emergency centres that help victims of sexual assault, was announced by Health Minister Ann Keen today. The National Support Team on Response to Sexual Violence will receive a £1.
20 October 2008
Domestic Violence Victims To Receive Extra Support
Victims of domestic violence will receive extra help and support from six new Specialist Domestic Violence Courts (SDVCs), announced today. The new courts will be in Wales, the East Midlands, North East, North West and South East.
Domestic Violence Victims To Receive Extra Support
Victims of domestic violence will receive extra help and support from six new Specialist Domestic Violence Courts (SDVCs), announced today. The new courts will be in Wales, the East Midlands, North East, North West and South East.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
