SC/8595
AFG/281
21 December 2005

Security Council Press Statement on Afghanistan

NEW YORK, 20 December (UN Headquarters) -- The following press statement was delivered today by Security Council President Emyr Jones Parry (United Kingdom):

The members of the Security Council congratulate the people of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan on the inauguration of their new Parliament, which marked the completion of the Bonn political process.

In noting this achievement, the members of the Security Council reiterate the crucial importance of continued constructive cooperation between the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan and the international community in addressing such remaining challenges in Afghanistan as security, including governance, narcotics, development and the fight against terrorism, and in this connection look forward to the launching of a new "Afghanistan Compact" at the international conference to be held in London from 31 January to 1 February 2006.

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