Vietnam has reiterated its commitment to contributing its experience and expertise in postwar recovery and development to the reconstruction process in Afghanistan.

Vietnamese Ambassador and Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN Security Council Bui The Giang made the pledge at a UNSC debate on the situation in Afghanistan held in New York on June 30.

The Vietnamese representative highlighted major positive developments in Afghanistan in the last three months, including the upcoming Presidential and Provincial Council elections which have gone over a very difficult part of voter registration without serious security incidents, with the date of elections determined, the list of candidates finalized, and the powers of the President after May 22nd endorsed by the Supreme Court.

He also commended “the efforts to expand the Afghan National Army, reform and strengthen the Afghan National Police coupled with preparations for the establishment of a social monitoring mechanism with a view to ensuring the role of elected organs and civil society in overseeing the police performance at the local level.”

Ambassador Giang acknowledged that the effective regional co-operation which Afghanistan has enjoyed is pivotal in helping solve the conflict, combat cross-border crimes and drug trafficking, and boost economic growth in the country.

“We appreciate the continued assistance from the international community to the Afghan Government and people,” he stressed.

However, the Vietnamese Ambassador raised his concern over the continued deteriorating insecurity, the continued deliberate targeting of public officials and attacks against UN personnel, especially the 24% increase of civilian casualties as compared with the same period in 2008.

With less than two months left before the elections, Ambassador Giang called on the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) to bring into full play its role in co-ordinating international action and assistance in Afghanistan, closely co-operate with the Afghan administration and donors to enhance donor co-ordination, aid effectiveness and coherence in the allocation and use available resources.

He took the occasion to call upon all Afghan stakeholders to put the political stability of their country above their partisan or group interests, renounce violence, and advance dialogue and co-operation in order to overcome divisions and make sure that the upcoming elections are fair, free and non-violent, with the broad voluntary participation of the Afghan people. (VNA)