RFE
18 Sep 2019, 01:16 GMT+10
The UN Security Council has unanimously extended its assistance mission in Afghanistan after China withdrew its threat of a veto if the text did not mention Beijing's Belt and Road infrastructure initiative.
The 15 members of the council on September 17 extended the mission for one year with a compromise text, negotiated by Germany and Indonesia, that doesn't mention 'any specific initiative' but refers to promotion of 'regional cooperation and connectivity,' according to diplomats.
The adopted resolution asks the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) to support 'in close consultation and coordination' with the Afghan government the organization of 'future timely, credible, transparent, and inclusive' elections, including the presidential vote set for September 28.
It further calls for working 'closely with the election management bodies on and after election day, supporting them to deliver a robust and transparent results management process.'
Established in 2002, UNAMA supports the government in Kabul as well as the peace and reconciliation process, promotion of human rights, and encourages regional cooperation. It mandate was due to expire on September 17.
China's Belt and Road program is aimed at building trade and transportation infrastructure that links China with South and Central Asia, Europe, and Africa through massive Chinese investments.
The United States, which views the initiative as a means of expanding Chinese hegemony, had refused any mention of it in the UN resolution. A majority of council members supported the U.S. stance.
Based on reporting by AFP and dpa
Copyright (c) 2018. RFE/RL, Inc. Republished with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave NW, Ste 400, Washington DC 20036
Get a daily dose of Johannesburg Life news through our daily email, its complimentary and keeps you fully up to date with world and business news as well.
Publish news of your business, community or sports group, personnel appointments, major event and more by submitting a news release to Johannesburg Life.
More InformationATLANTA, Georgia: The United States is facing its worst measles outbreak in more than three decades, with 1,288 confirmed cases so...
In the past month alone, 23 Israeli soldiers have been killed in Gaza—three more than the number of remaining living hostages held...
LONDON, U.K.: At least 13 people are believed to have taken their own lives as a result of the U.K.'s Post Office scandal, in which...
WASHINGTON, D.C.: Travelers at U.S. airports will no longer need to remove their shoes during security screenings, Department of Homeland...
WASHINGTON, D.C.: An elaborate impersonation scheme involving artificial intelligence targeted senior U.S. and foreign officials in...
SLUBICE, Poland: Poland reinstated border controls with Germany and Lithuania on July 7, following Germany's earlier reintroduction...
Kingston [Jamaica], July 12 (ANI): Australia's Test captain Pat Cummins is set to sit out next month's white-ball series against South...
New Delhi [India], July 12 (ANI): International Cricket Council (ICC) chairman Jay Shah lauded Italy and the Netherlands after both...
(250711) -- EL FASHER (SUDAN), July 11, 2025 (Xinhua) -- A woman prepares food for children at a displacement camp in El Fasher, North...
New Delhi [India], July 12 (ANI): The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has released its annual report for 2024, highlighting India's...
(Photo credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images) Australia's Cameron Smith and England's Lee Westwood were in a five-way tie for the lead...
The Hague [Netherlands], July 11 (ANI): Italy made history after securing qualification for the 2026 Men's T20 World Cup in India and...