Military

DATE=12/06/01

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

TITLE=U-N/ AFGHAN ENDORSEMENT (L ONLY)

NUMBER=2-283978

BYLINE=BRECK ARDERY

DATELINE=UNITED NATIONS

CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

INTRO: Without debate, the U-N Security Council has unanimously endorsed the agreement to create an interim government in Afghanistan. V-O-A Correspondent Breck Ardery reports from the United Nations.

TEXT: In a formal resolution, the Council welcomed the agreement reached after nine days of negotiations in Germany. The Council also urged all donor nations and institutions to assist the new Afghan authorities in the rehabilitation and reconstruction of the country.

After the resolution was adopted, U-N Secretary-General Kofi Annan praised the work of Lakhdar Brahimi, the U-N representative who organized the successful negotiations. However, he told reporters there is now much more work to be done in building an effective administration in Afghanistan.

///ANNAN ACT///

The difficult task is ahead. We have many hurdles ahead. We are going to try to do our best and we expect the Afghan parties to cooperate with us.

///END ACT///

Mr. Annan also said he hopes the Security Council will soon mandate an international security force in Afghanistan as called for in the agreement that establishes the transitional government.

United States military officials are said to want to delay an international force until the fighting in Afghanistan is truly over. That security force is expected to be composed of troops from several nations.

U-S representative James Cunningham told reporters the Security Council should have specific commitments from participating countries before the Council authorizes the international force in Afghanistan.

///CUNNINGHAM ACT///

Discussions are still at an early stage. It is a difficult undertaking for countries that are going to do this and they need some time to get their own thinking in order before we act.

///END ACT///

Mr. Cunningham said he did not know if the international security force would be authorized before December 22nd, the date the transitional government in Afghanistan is scheduled to begin operating. (Signed)

NEB/UN/BA/RH