Annan says objective of stability in Afghanistan remains to be met

Elections alone "will not be sufficient for the establishment of lasting peace in Afghanistan," Annan said in his latest report to the Security Council on Afghanistan. "Security, effective institutions and development will require time and concerted effort to build upon the political achievement of the past three-and-a-half years."

He noted that the security situation remains a paramount concern, saying "it is impossible to overestimate the importance of restoring security in Afghanistan as a condition for the sustainability of the peace process."

Annan also noted a rise in the level of insurgency in that country, as well as in the sophistication of the insurgents' weaponry and in the types of attacks being carried out.

The southern and eastern parts of the country have borne the brunt of the recent upsurge in violence, he said.

The Secretary-General pointed out that even without the burden of violent insurgency, the reconstruction of Afghanistan faces a truly formidable combination of challenges, including the pervasive drug economy, some of the worst social and economic indicators in the world and the consequences of what was one of the deadliest confrontations of the Cold War.

"It will no doubt require long-term commitment on the part of the international community to see this process to a successful conclusion," Annan said.

Afghanistan's myriad difficulties, including internal and external, and those inherited from the past, should not draw attention away from the "remarkable achievements" such as the election of a new government and the adoption of a new constitution, all over the past two and half years, since the Bonn Agreement set the country on the road to stability in 2001, he said.

Preparations for the Sept. 18 elections that will wrap up the Bonn process are on track, with over 5,000 registered candidates and about 1.5 million newly registered voters, Annan said.

He also warned that ballot faces a serious funding gap and some31 million US dollars is urgently needed in order to avoid a delayin holding the elections.

He urged government of Afghanistan and international security forces to remain vigilant with regard to all sources of intimidation and violence against voters and candidates.

http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2005-08/17/content_3364087.htm