Security Council discusses possible UN role

The UN Security Council convened on Tuesday for closed consultations with Secretary-General Kofi Annan and his top envoy for Afghanistan, Lakhdar Brahimi, to begin initial discussions on the UN's potential role in Afghanistan.

"There was an exchange of views on the humanitarian, political and military situation in Afghanistan, and a preliminary discussion about the future possible role of the United Nations," the President of the Council, Ambassador Richard Ryan of Ireland, said.

Brahimi previously served as a UN envoy to Afghanistan during the late 1990s. He briefed the Council after being reappointed earlier this month to take charge of the UN's overall humanitarian and political work in Afghanistan. Among other tasks, Brahimi will manage peacemaking activities involving the warring parties and others concerned with a view to facilitating a fully representative, multi-ethnic and broad-based government.

"Council members reiterated strongly their support for the appointment of Mr Brahimi, who will oversee UN political, humanitarian and, in due course, rehabilitation aspects of the situation," Ryan added. He said the Council would soon hold further meetings with the Special Representative and his deputy.

The issue of security for aid workers was also discussed during the meeting. "Council members demanded that the Taliban should stop threatening the safety and security of aid workers, and cease obstructing aid destined for the Afghan people," Ryan said.

Earlier in the week, Annan also said he was dismayed to hear about the Taliban harassing Afghans and beating up national staff working for the UN and other aid agencies. He added that he regretted the "tragic loss of life caused by the intensive conflict in Afghanistan". Annan appealed to all fighting factions, saying it was imperative that civilian casualties be kept minimal.

Ryan said members also called on the Taliban to alleviate the suffering and hardship of Afghan women, girls and children.

Gravely concerned about the humanitarian situation, Council members urged member states to contribute to the UN emergency humanitarian appeals for Afghanistan, Ryan said. While asking neighbouring countries to intensify their cooperation with the UN to respond to the refugee crisis, the members stressed that the international community must respond financially to the needs of host countries.