Military

DATE=08/13/2003

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

TITLE=UN / AFGHANISTAN PEACE

NUMBER=2-306457

BYLINE=SARKIS GARJARIAN

DATELINE=NEW YORK

INTERNET=

VOICED AT:

/// VOICED BY KERRY SHERIDAN ///

INTRO: The head of the U-N mission in Afghanistan, Lakhdar Brahimi, urged the Security Council Wednesday to expand peacekeeping forces across the country. From V-O-A's New York Bureau, Sarkis Garjarian has the story.

TEXT: Mr. Brahimi says he is renewing his push to the Council to increase the number of the peacekeeping troops in all parts of the country. In recent weeks the number of attacks on aid workers and others have intensified. Mr. Brahimi says the troops should be based throughout Afghanistan, not only in the capital.

/// FIRST BRAHIMI ACT ///

I think what we need is really expanding eyes out of Kabul. I have always refused to mention the numbers. What I say is that I am not specialized enough. What I am saying is that politically it is necessary. I am saying it is doable. I am saying it does not need a lot. But certainly it is not in the score of thousands.

/// END ACT ///

Mr. Brahimi says that much of the increased violence in Afghanistan is attributable to the Taleban and renegade warlord Gulbiddin Hekmatyar. On Monday NATO assumed command of the multinational force in Afghanistan. But the force is limited to ensuring security in Kabul and its environs.

Mr. Brahimi says that the nation's long-term security is important to the region.

/// SECOND BRAHIMI ACT ///

The international community must realize that the support given to Afghanistan is really a fraction of that which has been given in other places to countries that were smaller with much, much less population. Increasing that support I think could be a very good investment for the international community.

/// END ACT ///

Mr. Brahimi says increased security is necessary to conduct free and fair elections. (SIGNED)

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