Acceptance of 'step-by-step' reconciliation welcomed.

• Position: Afghanistan

The acceptance by the warring Afghan parties of a "step-by-step process of national reconciliation through the establishment of a fully representative and broad-based Authoritative Council"--which would negotiate a cease-fire, establish a national security force, and form a "transitional government to lay the groundwork for a democratically chosen government"--was welcomed by the Security Council on 30 November.

In a statement by its President, Madeleine K. Albright of the United States, the Council also noted with "grave concern" the continuation of hostilities in Afghanistan, which involved the "suffering, death and destitution of innocent civilians". An "immediate halt" to those "destructive attacks" was urged.

All States were also called upon to respect Afghanistan's sovereignty and territorial integrity, "strictly refrain from interfering" in its internal affairs, "respect the right of the Afghan people to determine their own destiny", and reaffirmed its readiness to assist them in their "desire to achieve peace and tranquillity in their country".

The Council noted the progress made by the UN Special Mission to Afghanistan, headed by Mahmoud Mestiri of Tunisia, which had conducted broad-based consultations with Afghan representatives to end the factional fighting and begin the tasks of rehabilitation and reconstruction.

The General Assembly on 20 December, by resolution 49/140, urged all possible assistance for restoring peace and normalcy in Afghanistan, and called on all Afghans, especially the warring parties, to agree on an "immediate cease-fire" to facilitate reconstruction of their war-stricken country.

On 23 December, the Assembly noted with "deep concern" that the...