UN chief assures Afghan leader of support to organize ‘credible and democratic’ polls

21 May 2012

UN chief assures Afghan leader of support to organize ‘credible and democratic’ polls

CHICAGO - Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon assured Afghan President Hamid Karzai yesterday that the United Nations stands ready to support to the Afghan authorities to produce “credible and democratic elections”.

According to Martin Nesirky, the spokesperson of the Secretary-General, the UN chief reiterated the UN support to the next presidential elections during his meeting with the Afghan leader in the sidelines of the NATO Summit in Chicago yesterday.

“The Secretary-General said the Chicago summit was an important milestone that underscored that the international community will continue to partner with Afghanistan after the withdrawal of the international military forces,” said Mr Nesirky.

While noting the steps the Afghan authorities have taken on governance, the Secretary-General said that amid a global fiscal crisis donors would continue to link long-term aid with delivery on governance.

The Secretary-General also underscored the importance of political reconciliation, socio-economic development and human rights, especially to improve the status for women and girls.

In his opening remarks at the NATO Summit, its Secretary-General Anders Fogh Rasmussen said the NATO would chart the course for “our future engagement” in Afghanistan together.

“We will make sure we complete transition to Afghan security lead by the end of 2014. And we will make clear our commitment to a long-term partnership with the Afghan people beyond 2014. So that Afghanistan never again harbours terrorists that can attack us at home. And so that Afghans can look forward to a better future in a stable region,” said Mr Rasmussen in his remarks. 

The NATO Summit discusses Afghanistan today.

Related stories:

UN joins NATO Summit to discuss Afghanistan

Top UN envoy Kubiš calls for full international commitment for Afghanistan in Chicago 

Related external links:

Xinhua report: World to continue parthership with Afghanistan after 2014: UN chief 

Opening remarks by NATO Secretary-General Anders Fogh Rasmussen at the NATO Summit 

NATO Chicago Summit opens