Peace plan endorsed.

• Author: Rutsch, Horst
• Position: PeaceWatch: Afghanistan - Brief Article

The Security Council on 14 November endorsed a United Nations plan for a political solution to the situation in Afghanistan. It unanimously adopted a resolution reaffirming that the United Nations should play a "central role" in supporting the attempts of the Afghan people to establish a new transitional administration and government. It also voiced its full support for the efforts of the Secretary-General's Special Representative for Afghanistan, Lakhdar Brahimi, who was appointed on 3 October, in leading such negotiations.

The Council stressed that the new Afghan institutions should be "broad-based, multi-ethnic and fully representative of all the Afghan people" and committed to peace with Afghanistan's neighbours. They should also respect human rights, honour the country's international obligations, including cooperating with the global fight against terrorism and illicit drug trafficking within and from Afghanistan, and facilitate the urgent delivery of humanitarian assistance and the orderly return of refugees and others forced from their homes.

The Council called on all Afghan forces to refrain from "acts of reprisal, adhere strictly to their obligations under human rights and international humanitarian law", and to ensure the safety and security of United Nations and humanitarian personnel. It called on the international community to support such an Afghan administration and government, and provide urgent humanitarian assistance, as well as long-term help, for the social and economic reconstruction of the country.

Reacting to the Council's action, the Secretary-General said that...