UNSC concerned over mounting violence in Afghanistan

Kabul, Nov 15 (UNI) The United Nations Security Council has expressed concern over the resurgence of violence in Afghanistan and called for a focus on the problems of the region -- economic and security -- for a lasting peace in the war-torn country.

A UNSC mission, which was here to review the law and order situation, will submit its report to the Security Council in early December along with specific recommendations.

Mission leader Mr Kenzo Oshima said the year 2006 had seen a rise in the narcotics trade, corruption and insecurity. He said the mission recognised that solving the problems of Afghanistan required a focus on the region, both from the economic and security point of view.

At the same time Afghanistan could not let itself be distracted from tackling domestic problems including those of governance, corruption, local conflicts and insurgency, Mr Oshima added.

In this context the UNSC appreciated the initiatives taken by United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) and looked forward to the cross border 'jirga' (consultations) process with interest.

However, it added there were mounting challenges ahead.

The mission member from Slovakia, Peter Burian said it was necessary to ensure that cross border infiltration was stopped, as was the smuggling of arms and narcotics. It was also necessary to have international support to build the national security forces.

The US delegate on the mission, Jackie Wolcott Sanders said the main message of the Security Council was that ''it was going to stick with Afghanistan'' as was her country, the US.

UNI XC YA RAI2127