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Statement by EAM at Kabul
Conference
20/07/2010
Hon’ble Co-Chairman,
I am privileged to address this august gathering, assembled today at
a crucial stage of Afghanistan's contemporary history to demonstrate
solidarity with the Government of Afghanistan for its long-term
stability and reconstruction. We congratulate the Government of
Afghanistan in holding this first-ever International Conference on
Afghanistan in Kabul since 2001 with grace and efficiency.
India and Afghanistan are historic friends. Our two countries enjoy
a relationship based on history, civilization, trade and cultural
exchanges and shared values and interests stretching back thousands
of years. India is committed to the unity, integrity and
independence of Afghanistan underpinned by democracy and cohesive
pluralism and free from external interference. India has contributed
to these goals through our Development Partnership which is
implemented entirely in accordance with the priorities of the Afghan
Government and people. Our Assistance programmes are spread all over
Afghanistan and cover all sectors of development: humanitarian,
infrastructural, institution and capacity building, small-scale
quick gestation projects, and agriculture. The ultimate aim of our
assistance is to strengthen the capacity of the Afghan state and
people to stand on their own feet in the areas of governance and
services for the Afghan people. This Conference, with Afghan
Government's determination to take full responsibility for
Afghanistan's own development, security and governance, and the
international community's willingness to realign international
assistance in accordance with Afghan priorities and action plans, is
a big step in that direction.
Afghanistan's stability and economic development depend a lot on its
neighbours and the region as a whole. Afghanistan's greatest
economic potential perhaps resides in its immense potential as a
trade, transport and energy hub, and as a bridge linking Central,
West, South Asia and the Gulf. Its prosperity also depends on the
consumer market of nearly 1.5 billion people in the South-Asian
sub-continent. The recent reports of Afghanistan's great mineral
wealth also open up possibilities for mining and investment. But for
Afghanistan to realize its full potential in these areas,
Afghanistan's neighbours need to come together to forge greater
regional cooperation and facilitate trade and transit. Growing
economic inter-dependence will also help in weaning disaffected
youth away from insurgency and militancy and in creating a zone of
co-prosperity in the region. We support the wishes of the Government
of Afghanistan to take the lead in this direction.
India also supports Afghanistan's efforts towards peace and
reintegration. But, for such an effort to succeed, it must be fully
Afghan-led and Afghan-owned and carry all sections of Afghanistan's
population together as well as abide by the redlines agreed to at
the London Conference, i.e., giving up violence, cutting off all
links with terrorism - whether jehadi or state-sponsored - and
accepting the democratic and pluralistic values of the Afghan
Constitution, including women's rights. The international community
must learn lessons from past experiences at negotiating with
fundamentalist and extremist organizations and ensure that any peace
process is conducted in an inclusive and transparent manner.
Adequate capacity of the Afghan security forces and other Afghan
institutions is a sine qua non for protecting Afghanistan’s
sovereignty, plurality and democracy. Gains of the last nine years
stand to be squandered if this aspect does not receive the attention
that it deserves as the international community ponders its next
steps regarding Afghanistan. The international community should also
ensure that there is no selectivity in dealing with terrorism.
Terrorism cannot be compartmentalised. As President Karzai said
today, it is the vicious common enemy we face. Today, one cannot
distinguish between Al Qaeda and plethora of terrorist organisations
which have imbibed the goals and techniques of Al Qaeda. It is,
therefore, essential to ensure that support, sustenance and
sanctuaries for terrorist organisations from outside Afghanistan are
ended forthwith.
Hon’ble Co-Chairman,
The determination exhibited by the Afghan Government to take charge
of its own destiny and future for Afghan ownership and leadership
and the solidarity demonstrated by the international community in
supporting this process politically, economically and in the sphere
of security, augurs well for the future. My country reiterates its
commitment to stability, development and prosperity of the Afghan
people and looks forward to working together closely with the
Government of Afghanistan and the international community in
realising these objectives.
Thank you, Mr. Co-Chairman for your patient hearing.
Kabul
July 20, 2010 |
