Nato extension for Afghanistan proposed

The United Nations Security Council is expected to extend the authorisation of the Nato-led force in Afghanistan ahead of a high-level meeting to focus on promoting national reconciliation in the country.

The final draft of a resolution extending the mandate for a year, which was circulated last night by France, reiterates the UN’s concern about “the increased violent and terrorist activities by the Taliban, al Qaida, illegally armed groups and those involved in the narcotics trade”.

The Nato-led alliance has raised its troop level to almost 40,000 in the face of an emboldened insurgency led by the country’s former Taliban rulers that has demonstrated the fragility of Afghanistan’s fledgling Western-style democracy.

The United States maintains about 13,000 troops in a separate counterinsurgency force.

It welcomes the expansion of the Nato-led International Security Assistance Force throughout the country and extends its authorisation for a year beyond October 13.

The violence, centred in the Taliban heartland in southern Afghanistan, is the deadliest since a US-led invasion toppled the Taliban’s hard-line regime after September 11, 2001 for harbouring al Qaida leader Osama bin Laden, the key figure in the terrorist attacks against the United States.

More than 4,300 people – mostly militants – have died in insurgency-related violence this year, according to an Associated Press tally of figures from Western and Afghan officials.

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and Afghan President Hamid Karzai are co-chairing a high-level meeting on Afghanistan at UN headquarters in New York on Sunday.

The UN chief said yesterday it would focus on increasing the UN role in the country, improving coordination of different political entities, helping promote an Afghan national dialogue and reconciliation, and encouraging a regional dialogue.

The draft resolution condemns all attacks targeting civilians and Afghan and international forces.

It expresses concern at “the harmful consequences” of the violence and terrorist attacks on the Afghan government’s ability to guarantee the rule of law and provide basic services to the people.

The draft also expresses concern at “the links between terrorism activities and illicit drugs, resulting in threats to the local population, national security forces and international military and civilian personnel”.

It stresses the need for further strengthening of the Afghan National Army and police, and for disbanding illegal armed groups, justice sector reform and counter-narcotics efforts.

As for peace efforts, the draft reiterates the council’s call on all Afghan parties to engage constructively in peaceful political dialogue and recognises the importance of Afghanistan’s neighbours and regional partners in stabilising the country.

It welcomes the expansion of the Nato-led International Security Assistance Force throughout the country and extends its authorisation for a year beyond October 13.