Afghanistan ISAF Resolution in Blue
A draft resolution extending the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan (ISAF) was put in blue this afternoon (11 October) and is scheduled for adoption tomorrow morning. Council members met several times over the last week to negotiate the text drafted by Germany, the lead country in the Council on Afghanistan.
It appears that the negotiations went relatively smoothly and that Council members have a high degree of unity on this issue. It seems that while the preambular paragraphs have been updated to reflect developments since the last resolution extending ISAF, there has been little change to the mandate. Apparently the only new operational paragraph relates to the Enduring Partnership Declaration which was agreed to by NATO and the Afghan government in November 2010.
It seems that one of the key preambular paragraphs underlines the significance of the transition of security responsibility to the Afghan government, looks forward to the phased extension of the transition process and highlights the need for a responsible transition and the long-term commitment of the international community.
The draft resolution also apparently makes reference to reconciliation efforts, condemns the assassination of former President Burhanuddin Rabbani, Chairman of the Afghanistan High Peace Council, and asks states to provide relevant information on this attack.
It seems that other areas highlighted in the resolution include the steps taken by the Afghan government to prevent the recruitment and use of children, the outcome of the institutional impasse following the elections and concern over civilian casualties.
