Afghanistan
H.E. Mr. Hâmid Karzai, President
12 September 2002

Not very far from here stood two towers that symbolized freedom, prosperity and progress. Half way around the globe stood two magnificent Buddha's that represented a culture of tolerance and a nation with a rich history. These symbols have been linked together through the global scourge of terrorism. Terror may have demolished these physical structures, however it strengthens the willpower of the international community never to let down the spirit and determination with which these icons were built. Terrorism and violence are against the teaching of Islam, a religion that stands for peace, respect for human dignity, dialogue, and tolerance. The Taliban, who destroyed our country and cultural heritage, did not represent Afghans and we do not consider the AI Qaida to represent the Arab world, and neither one represents Islam.

The Afghan people, as the prime victims of war and violence and the front line fighters against terrorism, particularly appreciate, honor and admire the friendly hand extended to them by the United States of America and other members of the Anti-tenor Coalition and the International Security Assistance Force, the United Nations family of organizations, particularly H.E Secretary General Kofi Annan, and Ambassador Lakhdar Barahimi, the Special Representative of Secretary General, for their tremendous support to Afghanistan in this critical juncture of the Afghan history.

Mr. President, I am honored to have this opportunity to highlight some of the achievements of my administration during the short course of the past eight months.

The implementation of the Bonn Agreement and the peace process in my country is completely on track. In accordance with the terns of the Bonn Agreement, the people of Afghanistan manifested their robust resolution and solid consensus for democracy and rule of law by gathering under one tent to convene the Emergency Loya Jirga, the Afghan Grand Council, on June 11 through June 17, 2002. The success of the Loya Jirga, with broad and unprecedented participation of women, was a significant milestone in the recent history of Afghanistan, and a major step forward in the process of peace, stability and nation building. During the proceeding of the Loya Jirga, hundreds of delegates exercised their rights to express freely their opinions and desires for security, peace, national unity, reconstruction, democracy and good governance. The people of Afghanistan told me univocally of their disdain of war and violence. The Loya Jirga demonstrated that after 23 years of imposed wars, foreign interventions, violence, bloodshed, repression, destruction and subversion. Afghans are on the way to enjoy the peace and to benefit from reconstruction and are determined to take every measure to avoid a relapse into warlordism and lawlessness.

As a result of the back to school campaign, three (3) million children, boys and girls, have returned to school.

The strong commitment of the government to the eradication of poppy cultivation and destruction of narcotics resulted in destruction of drugs with an estimated street value of eight (8) billion Dollars.

As a sign of stability and security, over 1.6 million refugees and hundreds of thousands of internally displaced peoples have returned to their homeland and places of origin.

We have formed a Constitutional Commission to undertake the historic task of drafting the country's new Constitution. We have already established a Judicial Commission; to rebuild the Afghan justice system, as well as a Civil Service Commission to reform the entire administration and impose a merit based system, and a Human Rights Commission, to protect human rights, women rights and civil liberties. We have adopted a series of laws and decrees to promote and attract domestic and international investments, safeguard property rights and others pillars of the free market economy; combat narcotics, and protect forest and the environment.

Despite these achievements, we are realistic about countless challenges and problems that we are confronted with. Foremost among these is security, which is the principal demand of the Afghan people, and the most fundamental requirement for sustainable peace. It is our position that the real key to the restoration of sustainable security lies in the creation of a national army and a national police force, along with a comprehensive demobilization program. We have established a Commission for the formation of national army. I have highlighted the establishment of the national army and police force as top priority and the main objective for my government; but the people of Afghanistan need a clear commitment and sustained support from the international community to realize these objectives. We appreciate the contributions of our American, British, German, Turkish and French friends in training our national army and police force, and the Government of Japan for its assistance in demobilization programs. I would like to once again request the donor countries to further support our strategy for the creation of a national army and a national system for security by translating international pledges into concrete contributions.

The Afghan delegates that regularly visit us in Kabul from various provinces to exchange ideas with our administration strongly request the expansion of ISAF to other parts of the country. They want to be certain that Afghanistan will not be once again left alone by the international community.

We owe a particular debt of gratitude to the donor community for its assistance to Afghanistan, but would like to remind our friends that the majority of the financial pledges made to Afghanistan in Tokyo Conference are still unfulfilled. We have presented the donor countries with the National Development Framework to indicate our priorities, help manage the reconstruction programs effectively, and channel financial resources to national capacity building. It is our position that the consolidation of peace and stability depends on the international community's sustained engagement in providing funding for reconstruction. Implementation of labor-intensive projects throughout Afghanistan has a direct influence on security and demobilization of combatants. Despite these facts, the level of direct financial support provided to the Afghan Government can be characterized as insufficient, considering the generosity of donors at Tokyo Conference, where over $4.5 billion was pledged to support Afghanistan. The Afghan people urgently need the pledges in Tokyo to be turned into cash.

While we agree that there is still a humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan, I would like to request the international community to focus more on reconstruction, to support long-term recovery efforts, and to treat the causes of poverty, not its symptoms. Building highways and repairing the road networks in Afghanistan is an important undertaking with significant economical, political and social impact for the Afghan people. It creates jobs, helps with security and demobilization, provides better connectivity, strengthens national unity and assists with the reintegration of Afghanistan into the regional economy.

Yet, the donor community is slow to answer to our repeated demand for reconstruction of highways.

Mr. President, while the world has now clearly voiced its unity to honor the dignity of life and reconstruction over terror, destruction and subversion, the threat posed by the terrorist groups require resolute commitment on the part of all nations to fight this evil to the end. I have warned the world before the September 1 I tragedy about the dangers of terrorism. Afghan people have suffered tremendously in the hand of Taliban and terrorist groups. They killed many thousands people, destroyed villages and burned orchards. Afghanistan is a Muslim country and the people of Afghanistan truly believe in the teaching of Islam, which is based on peace, justice, equality, moderation and tolerance, and reject arty abuse and misuse of the holy name of Islam by the extremist groups to justify violence, death and destruction. My vision of Afghanistan is of a modern State that builds on our Islamic values promoting justice, rule of law, human rights and freedom of commerce, and forming a bridge between cultures and civilizations; a model of tolerance and prosperity based on the rich heritage of the Islamic civilization.

Afghanistan is committed to continue to have friendly relationship with its neighbors and the international community and to be a resilient partner in the war against terrorism. The establishment of security and prosperity within Afghanistan is a means of promoting security and prosperity in the region and the world. We do not want to live in the past, and are determined not to let the events of the past harm our relations with our neighbors. We extend a sincere hand of friendship to all our neighbors on the basis of mutual respect for sovereignty, territorial integrity, independence and non-interference in the internal affairs of each other. We will never permit our soil to be used for any subversive activities against any of our neighbors and countries in the region, and we expect the same.

We are deeply concerned about the loss of innocent lives in Palestine and Israel. We strongly support the realization of the right of self-determination of the people of Palestine. We are also concerned about the dispute between our friends, India and Pakistan. We have good relationship with both countries.

The people of Afghanistan know the high price of war and violence and are yearning for peace, stability and prosperity in the region. They know that a peaceful resolution of the issues between Pakistan and India is an urgent necessity to consolidate peace and security in the region and the world at large.

In conclusion, I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate Switzerland for joining the family of the United Nations, and extend my appreciation to Iran and Pakistan for having accepted millions of Afghan refugees, and donor countries, organizations and people that have assisted Afghanistan.

Albania
H.E. Mr. Ilir Meta, Deputy Prime Minister And Minister For Foreign Affairs
20 September 2002

Albania has highly praised and supported the activity of the United Nations peacekeeping mission in Afghanistan and currently is a participant with its troops there.

Andorra
H.E. Mr. Juli Minoves-Triquell, Minister for Foreign Affairs
15 September 2002

In a way, I think, at least for the moment, and perhaps necessarily, the terrorist attack on the future has damaged it. It demanded a strong response: the mission in Afghanistan, the continued destruction of Al Qaeda. This is the kind of response that the perpetrators of this violence will understand. A response that cannot be seen as a sign of weakness or vulnerability. It is a logical, and therefore necessary response that the terrorists themselves unleashed.

But violence breeds violence. And the future of violence is simple destruction: nothing. And nothing will come of nothing. We run the risk of entering into an endless war against a shadowy enemy. A war that, given the nature of the enemy, might prove very hard to win completely. And yet it must be won.

Armenia
H.E. Mr. Vartan Oskanian, Minister for Foreign Affairs
15 September 2002

The situation in the Middle East, in Afghanistan and around Iraq, remains a continuing example of the need for a vibrant and strengthened United Nations, able to assert the will of the organization's membership, and empowered with greater authority to implement its decisions.

Australia
H.E. The Honourable Alexander Downer, MP Minister for Foreign Affairs
13 September 2002

The coalition in the war against terrorism -- led by the United States and joined by others, including Australia -- has accomplished a great deal.The Al-Qaida network in Afghanistan has been disabled. The Taliban regime has been defeated. But terrorism cannot be stamped out by military effort alone. Together we must choke off support - financial and otherwise - for terrorism.

Austria
Her Excellency Dr. Benita Ferrero-Waldner, Federal Minister for Foreign Affairs
14 September 2002

In recent weeks we have been starkly reminded of the fact that Afghanistan, which has been wrested from Taliban and AI Qaeda rule and has had a promising new start with the assistance of the international community, has yet to achieve a lasting peace and stability. The international community should remain committed and has to continue its support of the new government of Afghanistan.

The fight against terrorism and violent fundamentalism in Afghanistan has also highlighted the importance of the whole region of Central Asia. During her OSCE chairmanship in the year of 2000 Austria made it one of her priorities to draw the attention of world opinion to unresolved issues and problems of this region and the impressive potential it could unfold based upon mutually useful co-operation and of good-governance.

Azerbaijan
H.E. Mr. Vilayat Guliyev, Minister For Foreign Affairs
15 September 2002

It is obvious that the terrorist groups recruit new members and flourish most easily in the environment characterized by economic and social degradation, armed conflicts, poverty, illiteracy and self-isolation. Necessary resources should be mobilized to open up new and expand the existing programs of assistance to the developing and less developed countries. The implementation of the UN decisions regarding the assistance for the sustainable development and revival of the economic growth in these countries does play a great role. We need to take a special note of the rendering urgent international assistance to Afghanistan.

Bahrain
H.E. Shaikh Mohammed Bin Mubarak Al-Khalifa. Minister For Foreign Affairs
15 September 2002

The Kingdom of Bahrain has followed with interest the successive developments in Afghanistan- a country that has not enjoyed stability and has suffered the ravages of war for many years. It has welcomed the measures taken by the provisional government of Afghanistan with a view to promoting security and stability and restoring normal life for the people. Furthermore, it has cooperated fully with the committee established pursuant to Security Council resolution 1373 (2001) concerning financial and logistic measures against terrorist activities, in line with the concept of collective action within the United Nations framework.

Bangladesh
H.E. Mr. Morshed Khan, MP Minister for Foreign Affairs
18 September 2002

In Afghanistan, after emerging from the most destructive episode in its history, the country is yet to be provided the wherewithal for recovery and reconstruction. The international community must redouble its efforts to secure peace across Afghanistan and accelerate the reconstruction and rebuilding of the country. Unless we do so the long-term security and stability of our region will remain uncertain.

Belarus
H.E. Mr. Mikhail Khvostov, Minister for Foreign Affairs
17 September 2002

There is no alternative today to the peace process in Afghanistan. The world community has already allocated significant financial, material and human resources to this country. These efforts should facilitate the creation of a new Afghanistan - stable and predictable partner in modern international relations. Belarus aspires to make its contribution to the work in this important field. In particular, the State Aviation Committee of Belarus has participated and continues to participate in transporting from Europe to Afghanistan humanitarian assistance cargoes as well as cargoes for international coalition forces.

Bosnia and Herzegovina
H.E. Mr. Zlatko Lagumdzija, Minister for Foreign Affairs
14 September 2002

Last year we were all rightly focused on Afghanistan as well as today we are concerned about future steps regarding Iraq as a great threat to world stability and shelter for terrorism.

Botswana
H.E. Mr. Festus Mogae, M.P. President
September 17, 2002

Mr. President, conflicts and instability in other parts of the world such as the Middle East

and Afghanistan are of serious concern to us. We look to the international community within the framework of the United Nations to play a greater role in the peaceful resolution of these conflicts.

Bulgaria
H.E. Mr. Georgi Parvanov, President
12 September 2002

The situation in Afghanistan is still volatile. The Afghan government needs comprehensive support to enhance internal stability and security, as well as to rebuild the country. Therefore, Bulgaria suggested the foreign debt of Afghanistan to be relieved in order to stimulate economic development.

… With its recent accession to the International Convention for the Suppression of Terrorist Bombings and the International Convention for the Suppression of the Financing of Terrorism, Bulgaria is now party to all universal conventions against terrorism. My country has also contributed to the international efforts in a tangible and practical way by sending a military contingent to Afghanistan.

Cameroon
S.E.M. Martin BELINGA EBOUTOU, Ambassadeur, Représentant Permanent de la République du Cameroun
le 20 Septembre 2002

Le Cameroun a adhéré aux premières mesures conventionnelles prises par l'ONU immédiatement après ce drame. Il s'est également associé pleinement aux résolutions qui permettent aujourd'hui l'émergence progressive d'un Afghanistan nouveau, synonyme de liberté et de modernité pour son peuple.

Canada
H.E. The Honourable William Graham, Minister For Foreign Affairs
12 September 2002

Multilateralism has definitely proven its worth over the past year. For example, dozens of countries have offered their resources and experience to Afghanistan's new leaders, as members of the coalition against terrorism or of the Afghanistan Support Group. They have also contributed to the various UN programs seeking to establish political stability and representative government.

China
H.E. Mr. Tang Jiaxuan, Minister for Foreign Affairs
13 September 2002

We rejoice at the positive developments in Afghanistan over the past year or so. China is ready to join the international community in working constructively for lasting peace in Afghanistan and its post-war rehabilitation. We support the UN in playing its important role in this regard.

Croatia
H.E. Mr. Tonino Picula, Minister for Foreign Affairs
17 September 2002

…We must also recognise that Afghanistan is today on a difficult but hopeful road to recovery, with the assistance of the international community.

Cuba
H.E. Mr. Felipe Pérez Roque, Minister for Foreign Affairs
14 September 2002

Why have we not seen the same zeal with which the war in Afghanistan was unleashed to seek a just and lasting solution to peace in the Middle East?

Czech Republic
H.E. Mr. Jan Kohout, Deputy Minister For Foreign Affairs
20 September 2002

With regard to peace and security, we recently witnessed some encouraging progress in the solution of armed conflicts in Africa, namely in Angola, Sierra Leone, Liberia, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and in other areas including the Balkans and Afghanistan. We welcome and support the positive changes.

… As for Afghanistan, we consider the peace, stability and democratization a key factor, both for the further peaceful development of the whole region and also in the wider international context of the fight against terrorism. The international community has to increase its efforts to stabilize the security situation and support the economic renewal of Afghanistan, including the breaking of its economy's dependence on the cultivation of opium.

Denmark on behalf of the European Union
H.E. Anders Fog Rasmussen , Prime Minister
12 September 2002

And in the complicated area of peacemaking, the United Nations and the European Union work tirelessly to find solutions in the Middle East through the efforts of the Quartet and in finding a permanent settlement on Cyprus consistent with the relevant Security Council resolutions. The EU is a major partner in the rebuilding of a new Afghanistan freed from terror.

Estonia
Her Excellency Mrs. Kristiina Ojulan, Minister For Foreign Affairs
20 September 2002

Estonia is actively participating in the International Coalition to combat terrorism. We have contributed a Search and Rescue Team to the United States lead operation "Enduring Freedom". Our highly trained explosives detection dog team is presently serving in Afghanistan alongside the forces of the other countries, which are helping to restore order in that war-torn land.

Finland
H.E. Mr. Erkki Tuomioja, Minister for Foreign Affairs
14 September 2002

Afghanistan is no longer a base for global terrorism and joint efforts to uproot terrorist networks are making progress, but the threat of new attacks has not been eliminated.

At some stage we will also reach the limits of what can be done through military force and police action to stop terrorism. Even where the use of military force is clearly necessary and justified, as it is against Al Qaeda and the Taleban, it is never a sufficient answer. In

Afghanistan we are now faced with the need to use a full-range of civilian crisis management capabilities as well as a long-term commitment to reconstruction and the development of a stable and drug-free economy and to root democracy and respect for human rights in a country, which has suffered from war and strife for decades. And Afghanistan is only one of many places in today's world where such a commitment from the international community is needed.

France
H.E. Mr. Dominique De Villepin, Minister For Foreign Affairs
12 September 2002

Faced with these threats, the temptation may exist to forge blindly ahead. That would be a serious mistake. Force cannot be the sole response to these elusive adversaries that are constantly transforming. The example of Afghanistan suffices to show this. The mobilization of the international community made it possible to overthrow a backward, totalitarian regime which sheltered and supported the Al Qaeda network. It dealt a severe blow to terrorist infrastructures. That was necessary, but it is not enough. It is important now to rebuild and help the Afghan people; to maintain our efforts in the long term; to continue the work for stability and democracy, but also to dismantle the drug economy and the trafficking it fuels.

I recently traveled to the Middle East, the Balkans and Afghanistan. I realized the strength of the aspirations and hopes for peace. But I also saw how the efforts and energies of various parties need to be united and centered on a collective ambition.

Germany
H.E. Mr. Joschka Fischer, Deputy Chancellor and Minister for Foreign Affairs
14 September 2002

We do not want however any automatism leading to the use of military force. The fight against international terrorism remains highly dangerous. We have not yet managed to fully stabilize Afghanistan. Explosive regional conflicts in Kashmir, in the Middle East and in the Caucasus have to be solved or at least effectively contained.

Without a just and lasting solution to the regional conflicts, we will not dry up the recruitment base for terrorists and thus be able to successfully counter the asymmetric threat. Afghanistan is an obvious example here. The Taliban system has collapsed there and the al Qaida network has largely been destroyed. We are still a long way from being able to call the situation in the country stable and secure, but progress can be noted. The implementation of the Bonn Conference began with the formation of a legitimized Interim Administration. The process that was launched on the Petersburg was taken to the next level with the Emergency Loya Jirga in June. For the first time in years, the Afghan people have the chance to lead a life in human dignity based on self-determination.

However, the people in Afghanistan will only grow in courage when they see and feel that the international community is also standing by its pledges for the reconstruction of their country. The commitments of the donor countries have to materialize as concrete projects.

Hungary
H.E. Mr. László Kovács, Minister for Foreign Affairs
15 September 2002

In the context of the global coalition against terrorism, Hungary follows the developments in Afghanistan with keen interest. We welcome the consolidation achieved so far by the Government of Afghanistan with the assistance of the international community. We wish to place on record our deep appreciation for the excellent work done by the international forces (ISAF) in that country.

Further efforts to contain and eliminate terrorist groups in Afghanistan will remain a top priority.

Hungary will be committed to maintain its support to the Government of Afghanistan as well as its people. .

Indonesia
H.E. Mr. Hassan Wirajuda, Minister For Foreign Affairs
18 September 2002

In Afghanistan, the United Nations has done commendable work in helping the Afghan parties manage the post-Taliban transition. The international community must now help the Afghan people at nation-building, rehabilitating the country's infrastructure and strengthening its newborn government.

Iran
H.E. Dr. Kamal Kharrazi, Minister for Foreign Affairs
15 September 2002

The long standing policy of the Islamic Republic of Iran towards Afghanistan has been rejection of violence, intra-Afghan dialogue and establishment of a representative government through some democratic means. We are pleased that in light of the international efforts, particularly by the United Nations, consolidation of civil order is gradually taking place by Afghan people themselves through establishment of the Interim Administration, the emergency Lui Jerga and the Transitional Government. Codifying Afghanistan's Constitution on the basis of democratic principles, Afghan culture and tradition, taking into account the views of all ethnic groups, will be a major step in consolidation of law and order, strengthening the political structure and achieving peace, security and stability in Afghanistan.

The Islamic Republic of Iran continues its close cooperation with the Transitional Government of Afghanistan, especially in the context of spending the $50 million assistance earmarked for small-scale reconstruction projects in Afghanistan during the Iranian fiscal year 1381, which started on 21 March 2002; providing custom facilities and preferential arrangements in customs, transit, trade and scientific, cultural and educational cooperation, combating drug trafficking and terrorism, helping Afghan refugees to return to Afghanistan -are all joint efforts that are moving forward. The international community is expected to make good on their pledges to Afghanistan, so as to begin to rebuild the economic infrastructure there and create a condition conducive to the voluntary return of Afghan refugees to their homeland. Greater attention and resources must be invested, particularly by the UNDCP, in crop substitution programs in Afghanistan as an effective strategy to fight narcotic trafficking.

Ireland
H.E. Mr. Brian Cowen, Minister for Foreign Affairs
13 September 2002

The terrorist attacks on 11 September required an urgent response from the international community...The Security Council adopted Resolution 1368, demanding the fullest possible cooperation of the international community in bringing the perpetrators to justice. It subsequently authorised the deployment of an international security force to Afghanistan. It put in place measures to counter international terrorism.

… it is essential for the international community to maintain its strong and active support for the Government and people of Afghanistan. Afghanistan has come through great trials over the past year. We should not overlook that, despite the best efforts of the international coalition to ensure that the use of force was targeted and proportionate, many innocent Afghanis have died.

…Considerable progress has been achieved in Afghanistan with the help of the international community. There are clear signs that, overall, the quality of life is improving. Nonetheless, there is still a long way to go if Afghanistan is to completely escape the violence and instability of the past.

…The humanitarian situation in Afghanistan remains acute. The sustained and wholehearted support of the international community remains essential, therefore, if progress is to be maintained.

For our part, Ireland has been active in the Security Council, particularly in highlighting the humanitarian situation. We have pledged $12 million over the next three years, the majority of which has already been dispensed. We are also contributing personnel to the international stabilisation force.

Italy
H.E. Mr. Silvio Berlusconi, Prime Minister
13 September 2002

Our commitment' to the United Nations is clear on all fronts. Italy is the sixth contributor to the Organization's regular budget and one of the largest troops' contributor. Around ten thousand Italian soldiers are deployed throughout the world from the Balkans to

Afghanistan to preserve and maintain peace and security. We will continue along this road, in our firm belief there is no problem we cannot solve if we are united in our determination.

Jamaica
H.E. Mr. Stafford Neil, Chairman Of The Delegation
18 September 2002

Over the past year, dramatic events have occurred which have brought old and new issues to the forefront of attention. We recall the shock and horror of the terrorist attacks of

September 11; the ensuing war in Afghanistan; the outbreak of renewed violence in the Middle East between Israelis and Palestinians; the escalation of old tensions in South

Asia; and more recently, the threat of a new war in Iraq. All of these were given special attention by the Secretary General in the presentation of his Report to the General

Assembly last Thursday.

Japan
H.E. Mr. Junichiro Koizumi, Prime Minister
13 September 2002

Concerning Afghanistan, at the International Conference on Reconstruction Assistance to Afghanistan held in Tokyo in January, Japan strived to solidify the resolve of the international community. We are now preparing a program for assisting the demobilization and reintegration of former combatants, which will give form to our proposed "Register for Peace." My country is also contributing to regional reconstruction by developing an assistance project for the resettlement of refugees and displaced people in such areas as Kandahar.

Kazakhstan
H.E. Mr. Kassymjomart Tokaev, Secretary of State, Minister for Foreign Affairs
14 September 2002

From the very start, Kazakhstan has resolutely and unconditionally supported counter terrorist actions by the international coalition. Its effective measures, without any doubt, have contributed to the settlement of the situation in Afghanistan.

Together with all interested States and parties, our country supports the key role of the United Nations in the post-conflict peace-building in Afghanistan.

We intend to take a most active part in implementing an international aid program for Afghanistan. Kazakhstan is cooperating successfully with the World Food Program by using it to send its agricultural products to Afghanistan. Our country has provided the Afghan people with a free humanitarian aid in the form of grain.

We believe that an early implementation of the decisions adopted at the Tokyo conference would contribute to the successful solution of the Afghan problem and to the eradication of international terrorism.

When we speak about Afghanistan, we cannot ignore the issue of drug trafficking. Unfortunately, this long-suffering country continues to be a main source of the proliferation of drugs that are being transported through the territories of the Central Asian States and sold on the world markets, first of all in Europe. This problem is getting more and more dangerous and requires urgent and effective measures by the community of nations. We hope that the coordinating role of the United Nations Drug Control Program will be strengthened.

Republic of Korea
H.E. Mr. Choi Sung-Hong, Minister for Foreign Affairs
13 September 2002

The Republic of Korea has been an active member of the international coalition against terrorism…Furthermore, we are now working with other countries to contribute to the rehabilitation of Afghanistan.

Kuwait
H.E. Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs
13 September 2002

… Kuwait never hesitated to reach out to meet its full official and non-official obligations towards the Palestinian people in the Palestinian territories and to the people of Afghanistan. It is now our hope that the Afghan people, following the recent developments that took place in their country will be able to live in security and stability after deep suffering for too long because of war and internal conflicts. Let us hope that the country will now channel all its resources to national reconstruction in order to make up for those very long years of conflict and hostilities.

The Kyrgyz Republic
H.E. Mr. Askar Akayev, President
20 September 2002

I believe that many unresolved problems still remain for the antiterrorist coalition in

Afghanistan, where the main asylum of international terrorists was situated till the recently. On September 23rd, I will be meeting with the president of USA George Bush at the White House. I assume that the issue of our cooperation in struggling against international terrorism will be the main issue. I am going to assure the President of USA that Kyrgyzstan will fulfill its share of responsibility acting together with Russia and our other partners.

Latvia
Her Excellency Mrs. Vaira Vike-Freiberga, President
12 September 2002

Latvia is convinced that the reduction of disparities in income and standards of living among the world's nations is essential for the consolidation of peace and security across the globe. That is why Latvia has liberalized its trade regime with 49 of the world's least developed countries, in accordance with the Doha development agenda. Within its means and through UN channels, Latvia has also provided humanitarian aid to war-torn areas in the Balkans and in Afghanistan.

Luxembourg
S.E. Mme LYDIE POLFER, Ministre des Affaires Etrangères et du commerce Extérieur
le 14 Septembre 2002

L'effort accompli par la communauté internationale en Afghanistan doit être poursuivi dans le temps pour assurer l'établissement et le fonctionnement d'un Etat stable, démocratique et pleinement représentatif. Le processus de normalisation en cours dans les Balkans mérite une attention identique.

Malaysia
H.E. The Honourable Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, Deputy Prime Minister
14 September 2002

20. We are pleased that Afghanistan is now on the threshold of becoming a viable, progressive and democratic state. However, many impediments to national unity and cohesion remain which must be overcome with sustained international support and, more

importantly, the political will and commitment of the people of Afghanistan themselves. Such support should take the form of increased infusion of development funds and other forms of assistance and, more urgently, the promotion of a more secure environment for the whole country.

21. We owe it to the long-suffering Afghan people to assist in the rehabilitation of their country and to ensure that the circumstances that led to their civil strife are removed and that they would not be abandoned once the immediate task of removing terrorist elements in Afghanistan is over.

22. Instead of focusing our efforts in comprehensively fighting terrorism by attempting to find a credible settlement between the Palestinians and the Israelis, and on nation-building efforts in Afghanistan, the international community risks being dragged into

opening up battle fronts that can result in greater instability in the world and hamper efforts towards combating terrorism.

Moldova
H.E. Mr. Ion Botnaru, Chairman Of The Delegation
20 September 2002

The stabilization and rehabilitation process in Afghanistan is a test for the international community and our organization. Considerable progress has been achieved, and we must commend the job done under very difficult conditions by the anti-terrorism coalition, the efforts made by international donors, and foremost the efforts made by the Afghanistan leadership lead by President Hamid Karzai. The Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Afghanistan, Ambassador Lakhdar Brahimi repeatedly urged international community to maintain its strong and active support for the Government and people of Afghanistan We share the view, that stability for Afghanistan must be seen through an inclusion of all countries in Central Asia in a broader stabilization process by increasing their support from international financial organizations.

Principauté De Monaco
Son Altesse Perenissimele Prince Hereditaire Albert De Monaco, President De La Delegation Monegasque
17 Septembre 2002, New York

GRÂCE A UNE PROMPTE ET EFFICACE RÉACTION INTERNATIONALE, L'AFGHANISTAN TROP LONGTEMPS OCCUPÉ PAR UN FOYER DU TERRORISME, A RECOUVRÉ SA LIBERTÉ. SON NOUVEAU GOUVERNEMENT PROVISOIRE ISSU DE L'ASSEMBLÉE TRADITIONNELLE, LA LOYA JORGA, RÉUNIE AU MOIS DE JUIN DERNIER, S'EMPLOIE, AVEC NOTAMMENT LAIDE DE NOTRE ORGANISATION, A. RECONSTRUIRE CE PAYS ET Â Y INSTAURER UN RÉGIME POLITIQUE DE NATURE DÉMOCRATIQUE, NOS VOEUX DE PLEINE RÉUSSITE L'ACCOMPAGNENT.

Mongolia
H.E. Mr. Luvsan Erdenechuluun, Minister For Foreign Affairs
15 September 2002

In Afghanistan, the United Nations is helping the Afghan Government in its efforts toward rehabilitation, reconstruction and development. These objectives can only be achieved if the Government of President Karzai exercises effective control over the entire country.

Nepal
H.E. The Honourable Arjon Jung Bahaur Singh, Minister Of State For Foreign Affairs
19 September 2002

We are happy that Afghanistan is limping back to normalcy. Providing security coverage over the entire country should be the United Nations' priority so reconstruction could pick up momentum.

Netherlands
H.E. Mr. Jaap De Hoop Scheffer, Minister For Foreign Affairs
15 September 2002

It is precisely through such an integrated approach that we can hope to achieve results. UNHCR's mix of policy areas obviously has to be complemented by that of security. That is one of the reasons why the Netherlands is involved in peacekeeping or similar operations in Bosnia, FYROM and Afghanistan. Security is a quintessential consideration for those who are to return to their homes. And without security, resettlement and recovery remain pious wishes. Money spent on security is money well spent.

… Mr. President, in the year following September, 11th the international community has effectively taken its responsibility. Its joint efforts have focussed on bringing about more security and increased stability in Afghanistan. Much has been accomplished: a regime hostile both to the Afghan people and to our commonly shared values has been ousted. Subsequently, our collective efforts have helped to establish an elected government and to begin the reconstruction of a disrupted society.

New Zealand
H.E. The Honourable Phil Goff, Minister for Foreign Affairs And Trade
14 September 2002

We have committed peacekeeping personnel to the ISAF and combat forces under Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan.

But we are also aware that actions to suppress terrorism must be accompanied by measures to tackle the causes of terrorism.

Injustice, lack of opportunity, hopelessness, desperation and the failure of legitimate channels to redress grievances, all give rise to resort to terrorist actions.

Norway
H. E. Mr. Kjell-Magne Bondevik, Prime Minister
12 September 2002

In the troubled and war-torn country - Afghanistan, we must continue our assistance in the years to come. We condemn the recent attacks against the lawfully appointed leaders of Afghanistan. The fight against the remaining groups of terrorists must continue.

I pledge Norway's continued support to Afghanistan. As the Chair of the Afghan Support Group (ASG), we have focused on the need for both humanitarian assistance and long-term reconstruction aid. A sustained international presence is essential. Winter is approaching and as many as 6 million people are threatened with famine. We must also ensure the protection of human rights, in particular the rights of girls and women.

Oman
H.E. Mr. Yousef Bin Alawi Bin Abdullah, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs
14 September 2002

Regarding Afghanistan, Mr. President, we welcome the return of this country to the international family, and we look forward to the establishment of security and stability in its territory under the supervision of a government reflecting the ambitions of all parties of the Afghan people. My government values the international efforts exerted to assist the Afghan government and the continuation of the international community in offering financial and technical assistance in order to rebuild the country, and to provide basic requirements which the Afghan people need after long years of suffering and war.

Pakistan
H.E. General Pervez Musharraf, President
12 September 2002

Even as Hindu fundamentalism is rising in India, Pakistan is waging a successful struggle to restore its traditions of a tolerant Islam. We are acting vigorously to eradicate the sad legacy of the Afghanistan war: religious extremism, drugs and guns.

…We are happy with the positive changes in Afghanistan, after two decades of conflict. We fully support President Hamid Karzai. We appreciate the efforts of the Secretary-General and his Special Representative, Mr. Lakhdar Brahimi, to bring hope and peace to the long-suffering Afghan people. We believe that faithful implementation of the Bonn process and the Tokyo commitments is essential for success. Ensuring credible security in Kabul and other centers through an expanded international presence is paramount. This was brought home by the attempt, a few days ago, to assassinate President Karzai. Reconstruction of Afghanistan through early release of funds agreed in the Tokyo commitment is essential for strengthening the central government as well as for peace and security in Afghanistan.

Poland
H.E. Mr. Wlodzimierz Cimoszewicz, Minister For Foreign Affairs
15 September 2002

A year ago the whole world has joined together in an unprecedented example of solidarity. Today we are more aware of the source and the character of the threat. We are indeed more capable of dealing with it through providing for the implementation of relevant international instruments, taking steps to control the flow of finances and persons, state borders and the arms trade. Poland has joined the ongoing antiterrorist operation. Our soldiers are now deployed in Afghanistan, alongside their colleagues from other countries, and are doing their utmost to strengthen security there and help raise the country from rubble and ruin inflicted upon it by two decades of war and internal strife.

Romania
H.E. Mr. Mircea Geoana, Minister for Foreign Affairs
14 September 2002

The stabilization and rehabilitation process in Afghanistan is a test for the changing pattern of international cooperation. Ultimately, reconstruction efforts must be directed towards sustainability and ownership by the Afghan people. The recent attempt on President Karzai's life demonstrates the frailty of the current situation in Afghanistan. This, and the attacks in Kabul and other cities, are dramatic reminders of the price paid by many Afghan generations for recovering their sovereignty and for winning the right to govern their country. The intense effort that the United Nations has embarked upon in the democratic and physical reconstruction of the country is commendable. Romania believes this commitment must be maintained as long as the dangers of a serious renewal of violence exist. Romania has already made a solid financial contribution to the international aid effort and is ready to offer further assistance, according to the requirements of the Afghan government.

Efforts to aid Afghanistan should not stop at that country's borders. Stability for that country and the region will only be assured through a broader vision for the development of the whole of Central Asia. We need to find a way to link Europe and Central Asia by working up an integrated strategy that will reinforce democracy and bring economic prosperity not only across Europe but Eurasia as well. A first step must be to end the "frozen conflicts" in Eastern Europe and the Caucasus.

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
H.E. The Honourable Louis Straker, Deputy Prime Minister And Minister For Foreign Affairs, Commerce And Trade
20 September 2002

We have also witnessed the tangible results of the United Nations' support for East Timor in its struggle for independence and the UN support for Afghanistan in its struggle for liberation, peace and stability.

Slovakia
H.E. Mr. Eduard Kukan, Minister For Foreign Affairs
19 September 2002

Shortly following September 11, the Al-Qaeda network and the Taliban regime that harbored these terrorists were fought and disrupted. Organizing a global response to the political and humanitarian crises in Afghanistan became one of the crucial tasks at the Untied Nations. A chance for the people of Afghanistan to start rebuilding their country, fragmented for so long, has been offered. We commend the work of the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) and the countries contributing to the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF).

Slovakia is actively engaged in the reconstruction and rehabilitation process in Afghanistan. Our engineering unit was dispatched to take part in the Operation Enduring Freedom in August 2002.

Syria
H.E. Mr. Farouk Al-Shara', Deputy Prime Minister And Minister For Foreign Affairs
15 September 2002

Israel's contempt of international legitimacy has reached a point that invoked the disapproval and anger of the public opinion, especially when the Israeli government refused to receive a factfinding mission for the massacre of Jenin refugee camp, claiming that the crimes it has perpetrated against the Palestinian people under occupation are committed in self-defense and in a war against terrorism, hence manipulating the war against Taliban and Al-Qaeda in Afghanistan. In this context, it is important to stress that silence in the face of this manipulation is a direct slight to human values over and above condoning the killing of Palestinian children.

The Syrian Arab Republic also hopes that peace and stability shall prevail in Afghanistan in the interest of the Afghani people, who have suffered for a long time from the scourges of war and strife. Syria supports the efforts exerted by the government of the Sudan to preserve the unity and territorial integrity of the Sudanese people and calls for a cease-fire in the South of Sudan as a prelude to the resumption of dialogue.

Tajikistan
H.E. Mr. Talbak Nazarov, Minister for Foreign Affairs
18 September 2002

The increase in number of regional organizations and mechanisms, as well as their strengthening, not only reflects an objective need for filling in "the niches" in the interaction of neighboring states, but rather an urgent necessity to establish additional channels for conducting a dialogue and exchanging views on most burning issues. The large-scale operations on liberating the Afghan people from the repressive Taliban regime and measures aimed at restoration of peace and stability in a ravaged-by-war Afghanistan, have demonstrated what can be accomplished when the United Nations and regional organizations combine their efforts.

Today, Afghanistan, our friendly neighbor, continues to go through a complicated process of achieving a national accord, establishing stable institutions of government and a stable political regime. The revival of an independent and peaceful Afghanistan is taking place under hard conditions. There still exists an urgent problem of providing security. The humanitarian situation also remains alarming. However, what has been accomplished by the Government of Hamid Karzai, is very impressive.

It is important that the UN continue to coordinate common efforts of the international community in reinforcing the course of restoration and rehabilitation of post-war Afghanistan, toward complete elimination of the hotbeds of international terrorism on its territory and toward eradication of religious extremism and the narcotics threat. In this context the UN Mission in Afghanistan faces serious challenges. We believe it is necessary to continue increasing the economic and humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan, and not stop at what has already been accomplished. The Government of Tajikistan will continue to contribute to the revival of Afghanistan thorough building its relations with the friendly Afghan people on the basis of friendship, mutual respect and multi faceted cooperation for the benefit of our countries and regional security.

Thailand
H.E. Mr. Surakiart Sathirathai, Minister for Foreign Affairs
17 September 2002

As part of the reconstruction efforts for Afghanistan, Thailand has pledged to share her experiences and knowledge in opium cultivation reduction through crop substitution programme under the renowned Royal Sponsored Project of His Majesty the King. In so doing, this is part of the global effort to sustain peace in Afghanistan as the scourge of drugs is a menace to peace and stability.

Turkey
H.E. Mr. Sükrü Sina Gürel, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs
13 September 2002

Traditionally a close friend of the Afghans, Turkey has contributed for many years to the rehabilitation of Afghanistan. We salute the performance of the Transitional Authority under the leadership of H.E. Mr. Karzai, the Afghan President.

Today, we must rapidly embark upon real and tangible development efforts in Afghanistan. It is with this understanding that Turkey provides the Afghan - people with assistance that is directed at developing their national potential.

Likewise, efforts to build the Afghan national army and the police force as well as solidarity and unity among the ethnic groups are of crucial importance.

We feel strongly that the international community should fulfill its commitments declared in the Tokyo Conference for the reconstruction of Afghanistan.

We support H.E. Mr. Lakhdar Brahimi, the Special Representative of the U.N. Secretary-General for Afghanistan in his efforts to secure greater financial assistance and the U.N. is to be commended for successfully spearheading the reconstruction activity.

Turkmenistan
Her Excellency Mrs. Aksoltan Ataeva, Chairperson of the Delegation
18 September 2002

The beginning of the implementation of the Trans-Afghan gas pipeline on the route "Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan" has become an important stage.

Agreement on construction of the new gas highway was signed in May Islamabad by the Presidents of Turkmenistan, Afghanistan, Pakistan.

Turkmenistan welcomes the interest in the project of the large companies, financial and industrial groups, first of all on the part of the Asian Development Bank which actively takes part in the negotiating process on the implementation of the Trans-Afghan gas pipeline project.

Trans-Afghan gas pipeline is a project of international scale that has colossal social, economic and political significance primarily from the point of view of strengthening stability and security in the region. Trans-Afghan gas pipeline of which more than 700 kilometers would be laid through Afghanistan besides its economic component also has an invaluable social and humanitarian significance. Construction of the gas pipeline would create jobs for more than 12 thousand Afghans and also a new social infrastructure in Afghanistan.

In this connection we call on the UN to assist in the effective implementation of this project. Turkmenistan had proposed before from the same podium this initiative on the development and adoption under the UN aegis of the international convention on the regime and guarantees of the functioning of interstate pipeline. Such document, to our opinion, would allow to create a reliable political and legal mechanism for provision of safe transportation of the raw materials to the world markets.

Ukraine
H.E. Mr. Anatoliy Zlenko, Minister for Foreign Affairs
14 September 2002

The need for a new philosophy is particularly acute on the security front. Success of the international presence in Afghanistan, completion of the peace-keeping mission in East Timor, normalization in the Balkans evolve alongside the dramatic developments in the Middle East, the so-called "frozen conflicts" in the post-Soviet space, which remain unresolved, persistent security problems in Africa.

United Kingdom
H.E. The Right Honourable Jack Straw, M.P. Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs
14 September 2002

Without the United Nations, there could have been no salvation for the people of East Timor, no prospect of lasting peace in Sierra Leone, no one to help rebuild Afghanistan.

The world saw in Afghanistan the graphic dangers of state failure, where order breaks down, law is undermined and anarchy takes over.

But we are deluding ourselves if we believe the chaos in Afghanistan over much of the last decade is unique. In too many areas of the world, our fellow citizens are forced to live under the rule of gangs without the security and freedoms which we should be able to take for granted.

Our ISAF experience in Afghanistan, working with the UN, shows what can be done, but we know that much more needs to be done. We need a more structured and methodical approach to this growing problem of failing states.

And, as we found in Afghanistan, when we deal with failing states we have to tackle the second challenge to international law and justice: global terrorism.

United Nations
Kofi Annan , The Secretary-General
12 September 2002

Third, permit me to press all of you, as leaders of the international community, to maintain your commitment to Afghanistan.

I know I speak for all in welcoming President Karzai to this Assembly, and congratulating him on his escape from last week’s vicious assassination attempt — a graphic reminder of how hard it is to uproot the remnants of terrorism in any country where it has taken root.  It was the international community’s shameful neglect of Afghanistan in the 1990s that allowed that country to slide into chaos, providing a fertile breeding ground for Al-Qaeda.

Today, Afghanistan urgently needs help in two areas.  The government must be helped to extend its authority throughout the country.  Without this, all else may fail.  And donors must follow through on their commitments to help with rehabilitation, reconstruction and development.    Otherwise the Afghan people will lose hope — and desperation, we know, breeds violence.

United States
George Bush, President
12 September 2002

…We've accomplished much in the last year -- in Afghanistan and beyond. We have much yet to do -- in Afghanistan and beyond. Many nations represented here have joined in the fight against global terror, and the people of the United States are grateful.

… If we meet our responsibilities, if we overcome this danger, we can arrive at a very different future. The people of Iraq can shake off their captivity. They can one day join a democratic Afghanistan and a democratic Palestine, inspiring reforms throughout the Muslim world. These nations can show by their example that honest government, and respect for women, and the great Islamic tradition of learning can triumph in the Middle East and beyond. And we will show that the promise of the United Nations can be fulfilled in our time.

Uzbekistan
H.E. Mr. Abdulaziz Kamilov, Minister For Foreign Affairs
19 September 2002

The September 11th events made the world face up to the situation in Afghanistan and opened the eyes of the international community to the fact that terrorism has no borders and that only through join efforts we can defeat this perilous challenge to the humanity. In a strict and, I would say, categorical way the September 11^th events reminded everybody that 20 years of war turned Afghanistan into breeding ground and hotbed of international terrorism that threatens not only the neighboring countries and nations, but entire humanity.

We are gratified by the positive developments in that country, we welcome the convening of the Loya Jirga, and the transitional government led by President Hamid Karzai.

Despite the successful completion of the military phase of the counter terrorist operation, today there could be no room for complacency.

Firstly. Huge amount of weapons accumulated during the long years of war still remain in the possession of militant groups. Moreover, in this context, there could be no justification for the attempts of certain states to supply ever more weapons to this long-suffering land.

To ensure stability and prevent military confrontation it is important to resolve a problem related to reduction and collection of huge mass of weapons accumulated in Afghanistan. Clearing the Afghan territory from weapon arsenals belonging to criminal groups will also reinforce the activities of the UN and regional institutions to thwart the illicit arms trade.

Secondly. The post-war dislocation, economic disaster, as well as the lack of resources to rebuild Afghanistan may become a catalyst for social unrest that could be used by certain militant forces inside and beyond Afghanistan to spiral up a new round of military confrontation.

Thirdly. On the territory of Afghanistan there are still different groups, the remnants of Taliban, still capable of conducting subversive actions and guerrilla warfare. Confrontation remains among various warlords-leaders of different ethnic groups.

Fourthly. The situation on drug trafficking remains almost unchanged. Afghanistan is still the world's main supplier of opium and heroin. According to many international experts, the removal of the Taliban regime does not mean yet the elimination of the criminal narcotics business in Afghanistan. Today the whole world is seriously concerned about this problem. There is a need for adequate measures and assistance by the entire international community, as well as the Afghan authority's support of efforts against narco aggression.

* This compilation does not include statements delivered in Arabic or Spanish. Please check back for updates.