S/PV.6290 Security Council

The Security Council will now begin its consideration of the item on its agenda. The Council is meeting in accordance with the understanding reached in its prior consultations. Members of the Council have before them document S/2010/147, which contains the text of a draft resolution submitted by Turkey. I wish to draw the attention of the members of the Council to document S/2010/127, which contains the report of the Secretary-General on the situation in Afghanistan and its implications for international peace and security. It is my understanding that the Council is ready to proceed to the vote on the draft resolution before it. Unless I hear any objection, I shall put the draft resolution to the vote now. There being no objection, it is so decided. I shall now give the floor to those delegations who wish to make statements before the voting.

As Turkey is the country that coordinated the discussion on the draft resolution, I am pleased to submit the draft resolution to extend the mandate of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA). It is our sincere hope that the Council will reaffirm its unwavering support for UNAMA by adopting the draft resolution unanimously.

The Council will now proceed to take a decision on the draft resolution (S/2010/147) before it. A vote was taken by show of hands. In favour: Austria, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, China, France, Gabon, Japan, Lebanon, Mexico, Nigeria, Russian Federation, Turkey, Uganda, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, United States of America

There were 15 votes in favour. The draft resolution has been adopted unanimously as resolution 1917 (2010). I now give the floor to those members of the Council who wish to make statements following the voting.

The Security Council has just unanimously adopted an important resolution on extending the mandate of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) for a further 12-month period. This decision of the Security Council addresses a range of Afghan problems and enhances the central role played by the United Nations in coordinating international efforts to achieve a post-conflict settlement and social and economic rehabilitation in Afghanistan. During the discussions on the resolution, the Russian delegation was able to ensure that it reflected the difficult realities in the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan and the challenges arising therefrom, both for the Afghan Government and for UNAMA and the international community as a whole. The resolution reflects the concern of the Security Council regarding the deteriorating security situation in Afghanistan due to the growing terrorist activities of the Taliban and Al-Qaida. We note, in that regard, that there is a growing link between the terrorists in that country and drug traffickers. Particular attention is given in the resolution to the challenge facing the international community in terms of achieving national reconciliation in Afghanistan. We support the ongoing political and reconciliation processes there, but it must be understood that these must not hinder the process of establishing lasting stability in the country or contravene Security Council resolutions, including on the effective implementation of the sanctions regime against the Taliban and Al-Qaida. We reiterate that dialogue is possible only with those who have laid down their arms, recognized the Government and Constitution of Afghanistan, and broken their links with Al-Qaida and other terrorist groups. In particular, concerns persist with regard to the production and illegal traffic of drugs in the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan. There is no doubt today that the Afghan drug trade represents a direct and serious threat to international peace and security. Therefore, we must neutralize collectively, and use all available means to do so. In this regard, we note with concern the information in the media about the intention of the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) in Afghanistan to cease destroying poppy fields, including in those territories that have been liberated from the Taliban. How can we overcome the Taliban’s military potential when it continues to obtain financial resources from the illegal drug trade? We are absolutely convinced that ISAF and the anti-terrorist coalition must, on the contrary, continue actively and decisively to address the drug threat emanating from Afghanistan and to cooperate with the Afghan Government on the issue. That is the only way to build upon what has been achieved militarily. Such an approach will make a real contribution to the long-term stabilization of the situation in Afghanistan and the region. Any attempt to bring the Taliban onboard would be a grave mistake. We believe that the resolution and, more important, an enhanced coordinating role for UNAMA in Afghanistan, will make a practical contribution to meeting the current challenges in that country, including in the anti-drug area.

There are no further speakers inscribed on my list. The Security Council has thus concluded the present stage of its consideration of the item on its agenda.