Mr President,
while the people of Afghanistan has now endured 18 years of war, there are no indications that the warring parties will heed repeated international appeals for peace and a negotiated settlement. On the contrary, there are reports that the fighting could intensify when spring arrives. Innocent men, women and children will continue to suffer the intolerable agonies of war.
A negotiated settlement, beginning with an immediate cease-fire and the formation of a broad-based transitional government, and ultimately followed by democratic elections, is the only acceptable road to peace in Afghanistan.
Although the Afghan conflict can, in the end, only be resolved by the Afghans themselves, the international community must, in good faith, contribute to such a solution.
Such a contribution should consist of the following elements:
First, outside involvement and interference in the conflict, including the continued supply of arms to the warring parties, must cease. Sweden calls on all states to strictly observe the sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of Afghanistan, and we encourage all states to commit themselves, as the members of the European Union have done, not to deliver arms to Afghanistan.
Secondly, the United Nations is the most appropriate and credible facilitator for a political settlement between the Afghan parties. All possible support must be given to the United Nations Special Mission and the Secretary-General's Special Representative, Dr Norbert Holl, in his efforts to bring about the restoration of peace, normalcy and national reconciliation in Afghanistan.
It should be in the interest of all States, in the region and elsewhere, that contributions to the peace efforts are channeled through or closely coordinated with the United Nations Special Mission in Afghanistan. Only in this way can the international community provide concerted and increased pressure on the Afghan parties to solve the conflict peacefully, and thus promote regional stability in the long term. Competing international efforts to bring about a negotiated settlement risk being exploited by the parties.
Thirdly, the continuing violations of human rights and in particular the increasing discrimination of women and girls is a cause of great concern. The international community must give voice to this concern, and demand that these rights are respected. Human rights standards are universal and must not be dishonoured or subject to negotiation.
Another source of grave concern is drug trafficking, with its far-reaching negative effects both inside and outside Afghanistan. Again, concerted international efforts are necessary to confront this dangerous threat not only to the health and well-being of individuals, but also to the peaceful development of Afghanistan.
Sweden is also concerned by reports of the continued use of Afghanistan as a training base for terrorist activities.
Fourthly, continued humanitarian assistance by the international community could contribute positively to the peace process, as well as to national reconciliation and rehabilitation in Afghanistan. Sweden has for many years been one of the major donors of humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan. We have worked hard to help alleviate the suffering of the people of Afghanistan and to assist in the reconstruction of this tormented nation.
Mr. President,
Afghanistan is a country in desperate need for peace and a chance to rebuild and start anew. It is ultimately for Afghanistan itself - all its people, all its leaders - to make that decision. If it makes the right choice, I am convinced that the international community will not be found wanting in supporting Afghanistan on the road to a better future.
Thank you, Mr. President