40th Plenary Meeting - General Assembly 75th Session

Adopting annual resolution on Afghanistan, General Assembly commends progress in peace talks while voicing concern over chronic terrorist violence.

• Categories: Meetings & Events / General Assembly
• Video Length: 02:10:54
• Production Date: 10 December 2020
• Asset Language: Arabic; Chinese; English; French; Russian; Spanish
• Personal Subject: VOLKAN BOZKIR
• Corporate Name: UNITED NATIONS ASSISTANCE MISSION IN AFGHANISTAN - UNAMA
• Subject Topical: CEASEFIRES; CORONAVIRUS DISEASE - COVID 19; ELECTIONS; GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE; PEACE AGREEMENTS; PEACE AND SECURITY; PEACE PROCESS; SANCTIONS; SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT; TERRORISM; VIOLENCE; VOTING
• Geographic Subject: AFGHANISTAN
• MAMS Id: 2591527
• Parent Id: 2591166

Description

Citing the threat posed by chronic terrorist violence in Afghanistan, delegates commended fresh progress in peace talks and exchanged views on the best way to help the nation move into a new era of stability and prosperity, as the General Assembly adopted, by a recorded vote, its annual resolution on the situation in the country.

Adopting the resolution “The situation in Afghanistan” (document A/75/L.45), by a recorded vote of 130 in favour to 1 against (Russian Federation) with 3 abstentions (Belarus, China, Pakistan), the General Assembly pledged its continued support to the country’s Government and people as they rebuild a stable, secure and economically self‑sufficient State. Also by the text, the Assembly reiterated serious concern about the continuing high level of violence and the security situation, stressing the need to continue to address these destabilizing threats caused by terrorist groups and their affiliates.

Germany’s delegate, in introducing “L.45”, said all stakeholders were considered in the resolution, which focused on an Afghan-led, Afghan-owned process. Indeed, 2020 has been a singular year for progress in Afghanistan, he said, pointing to such milestones as the start of negotiations between the Government and the Taliban and support from the international community, which pledged $13  billion in development assistance.

A number of delegates expressed regret that for a third consecutive year, the resolution failed to win consensus, despite negotiations towards peace and signs of progress in the country itself. The Russian Federation’s representative, explaining her delegation’s vote against “L.45”, said regrettably that the delegation of Germany, who facilitated discussions of the draft resolution, showed brazen disregard for the interests of regional States.

In the same vein, China’s representative said “L.45” did not reflect his delegation’s constructive proposals, which were supported by other Member States. In addition, he said, the facilitator ended the process too early and refused to retain consensus paragraphs on the role of regional States. The representative of the United States regretted to note that progress in the current peace talks was not reflected in the resolution, which also failed to make a distinction between the Taliban, Al‑Qaida and Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL/Daesh), despite efforts to raise these concerns with the facilitator.

Afghanistan’s representative said “L.45” reflects national progress and priorities, and the hopes and longings of the Afghan people. However, concerns remain regarding security threats, she said, emphasizing that Kabul has prioritized action on a range of issues and has not lowered its guard or diminished efforts to fend off terrorist attacks.

A number of speakers echoed that caution, with the United Kingdom’s delegate deploring the senseless murder of journalist Malalai Maiwand and her driver by unidentified gunmen earlier in the day. Summing up a common thread heard during the morning meeting, the representative of the United Arab Emirates said no one is safe until everyone is safe, recalling the death of her country’s ambassador, five humanitarian workers and several Afghan citizens in an attack in Kandahar in 2017.

Sharing concern at the high level of violence, Pakistan’s delegate echoed the international community’s determination not to allow Afghan soil to be used by Al‑Qaida, ISIL or other groups to threaten or attack other countries. Emphasizing that an unstable Afghanistan will remain a threat to its neighbours, the region and beyond, an observer for the European Union said the bloc will remain vigilant. Attacks by the Taliban are unacceptable and run counter to its declared commitment to peace and negotiations, he said, emphasizing that perpetrators today cannot be leaders tomorrow.

Other delegates pointed to gains made and the importance of consolidating them. Oman’s representative welcomed initiatives between Afghanistan and its neighbours Pakistan, Iran, Uzbekistan and China to open border crossings, which will spur economic exchange, reduce tensions and restore Afghanistan’s status as a hub and transit State for international trade. He further called on the international community and Security Council to reconsider sanctions on the country under Security Council resolution 1988 (2011).

Also speaking were representatives of Turkey, Australia, India, Qatar, Canada, Norway, Indonesia, Malaysia, Iran and Uzbekistan.

The representatives of Germany and the Russian Federation spoke in exercise of the right of reply.

The Assembly will reconvene at 3 p.m. on Thursday, 10 December to take up the reports recommended by its Fourth Committee (Special Political and Decolonization) and take action on the draft resolutions and decisions contained therein.

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