G-8 chair Japan pledges to promote int’l support for Afghanistan
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Japan promised Wednesday to utilize its role as the chair of the upcoming Group of Eight summit this summer to promote efforts to build peace and stability in Afghanistan.
‘’Japan, in its capacity as Chair of the G8, will pursue synergy between the discussion in the G-8 summit process and those reviews and discussions taking place in the U.N. and other forums, so that we may better support the efforts to consolidate peace and stability in Afghanistan,'’ said Japanese Ambassador Yukio Takasu, in remarks before the United Nations Security Council during an open debate.
The G-8 summit brings together leaders from Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Russia and the United States and is slated to take place July 7-9 in Hokkaido.
U.N. Secretary General Ban Ki Moon released his report on the situation in Afghanistan on March 6, recommending that the mandate for the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan, set to expire March 23, be extended another year.
‘’As for the mandate of UNAMA, we stress the importance of the smooth extension of the mandate at this critical juncture, to demonstrate that the international community is united in supporting the activities of the United Nations in Afghanistan,'’ Takasu said, adding that Japan backed Ban’s recommendation.
Ban noted Afghanistan continues to face challenges in fighting terrorism and the drug trade, and called for an integrated approach among the international partners.
The Japanese envoy expressed concern about the security situation in Afghanistan. In describing it as ‘’most worrying,'’ he pointed to the rise in the number of suicide bombings, abductions and insurgent activities prevalent particularly in the south and east portions of the country.
He said other areas, including Kabul, were becoming more insecure.
Though Japan backs efforts undertaken by other countries in dispatching their forces and personnel, Takasu said he was pleased to report that Japan has ‘’rejoined the international fight against terrorism by resuming its refueling activities in the Indian Ocean.'’
Japan, as the G-8 chair, also hosted the Joint Coordination and Monitoring Board meeting in February to review the progress and promote discussion on moving forward in helping stabilize the country with the help of the international community.
In addition to noting concern about the narcotics trade, particularly with the opium poppy cultivation expected to continue, Takasu mentioned the aid Japan has provided to help make the country more secure.
Japan had extended $1.36 billion in assistance to the country under an initiative called ‘’Consolidation of Peace,'’ which focuses on the political process, security, governance and reconstruction.
As a part of that effort, Japan recently announced an additional $110 million in assistance that centers on projects in areas where Afghanistan shares borders with Pakistan and Iran.
An international meeting on Afghanistan is set to be held in Bucharest, Romania, on April 3, Ban said Tuesday.
Filed by Nicole Cargill under Transnational Crime, Terrorism, Regional Security, Conflict Prevention and Human Security