国内英语新闻:China supports UN's core role in coordinating Afghan reconstruction

UNITED NATIONS, Nov. 4 (Xinhua) -- China supported the core role of the United Nations in promoting and coordinating the reconstruction in Afghanistan, its deputy envoy to UN Wang Min said here Thursday.

Addressing the General Assembly on the situation in Afghanistan, Wang said the reconstruction in the country has made headway, but is still confronted with many challenges, "which call for continued efforts by Afghan people and government, and sustained attention and support of the international community."

"We appreciate what has been done by the United Nations in promoting Afghan reconstruction and support UN's core role in coordination," Wang said.

He said that to achieve peace and stability, the Afghan government and people need to be in a driver seat in order to achieve the goal of Afghanistan run by Afghans themselves.

Besides, to move ahead the Kabul process, balanced efforts should be made in economic development, security and stability, national reconciliation, good governance, the rule of law and fight against drugs so that new progress can be made, he said.

The international community should continue to help the government of Afghanistan enhance its capacity for national security and facilitate the building of its military and police forces

"China is very concerned over the deterioration of the security situation and the increase of security incidents which results in high civilian casualties," Wang said, adding that the transfer of security responsibility should be proceeded by ensuring the country's security and stability.

He said on the basis of the respecting Afghan independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity, the international community should honor its commitment to assisting this country in the spirit of the consensus reflected in the communiqu of the International Conference in Kabul held in July.

"The international community should align its assistance with Afghan national strategy and the priority areas identified by the Afghans," the ambassador said.

He also called on the international community to pay more attention to Afghanistan's fight against narcotics and help it implement the national strategy for narcotics control.

As a friendly neighbor, China actively supports, facilitates and engages in Afghan reconstruction, Wang said.

From 2002 to 2009, China has provided more than 900 million yuan (some 135 million U.S. dollars) of grant assistance, canceled 19.5 million U.S. dollars of mature debts and built seven projects.

Since January this year, China has provided additional 160 million yuan (some 24 million U.S. dollars) grant assistance in such fields as infrastructure, health care, sanitation and education. The two countries exchange letters on zero-tariff treatment to certain Afghan exports to China, which cover more than 4,000 items.

In addition, China will continue providing training to Afghan professionals, executing more projects and extend its help to the most urgently-need areas in the country, Wang said.