Mr. President,

I thank Special Representative Brahimi for his comprehensive briefing.

Breaking the vicious circle of war and misrule in Afghanistan is long overdue. The military results we are witnessing give hope of real progress. It is now vital to maintain order and avoid retribution.

The Taliban regime in Afghanistan has for years ignored binding Security Council resolutions demanding that they stop harbouring and supporting terrorists. This refusal to comply continued even after it became clear that terrorists based and trained in Afghanistan were behind the attacks on 11 September. This left no alternative but to use military force – in accordance with the right of self-defence.

The Taliban’s setbacks will hopefully facilitate a political solution. They will also allow us to further increase our humanitarian assistance and initiate immediate support for the reconstruction of Afghanistan's war-torn society.

The Taliban have disregarded humanitarian principles, international law and human rights. They are the main cause of the suffering of the Afghan people, not least the oppression of women.

We are still deeply concerned about the obstacles faced by humanitarian organizations in Taliban-controlled areas. The Taliban must ensure the safety of humanitarian personnel and grant them full access to people in need.

Norway is pleased that Pakistan is opening its border to the most vulnerable refugees. International solidarity and burden-sharing with neighbouring countries are called for, particularly with Pakistan and Iran. Norway is prepared to do its part in this endeavour.

There is an immediate need to increase humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan before the onset of winter. This is especially urgent in the most vulnerable areas in the north. We applaud the tireless efforts of UN agencies, which are working under very difficult circumstances. Norway has recently stepped up its assistance, and has disbursed almost USD 35 million this year.

Mr. President,

Only a broad-based government that includes representatives from all major groups can bring stability to Afghanistan. Only a government committed to basic human rights and development can ensure long-term peace and security. Norway therefore strongly supports the efforts by Mr. Lakhdar Brahimi to help the Afghans lay the foundation for a lasting political solution. This can only be achieved with the support of a security presence.

Our efforts to assist Afghanistan will only be effective if they are well coordinated and part of a comprehensive political and economic strategy. Such a strategy must be supported by a security presence. In addition, humanitarian assistance is needed to pave the way for long-term rehabilitation. Peace-building and reconstruction must start now, and the United Nations must play a leading role. Norway commends the UN for its swift reaction, and we will do our utmost to help the organization in its endeavours.

The need for a coordinated approach to humanitarian assistance and reconstruction will also guide Norway’s chairmanship of the Afghanistan Support Group, which starts in January next year.

Mr. President,

We must stand united in our efforts to help Afghanistan back into the family of nations.

We must stand united in our efforts to help the Afghans get rid of the terrorists and their supporters.

We must stand by the oppressed people of Afghanistan.

Long-term commitment and prolonged efforts are needed. The United Nations can provide the tools. We – the member states – must make use of them.