S. Africa looks forward to "fair and free" elections in Afghanistan

UNITED NATIONS, March 11 (Xinhua) -- South Africa looks forward to AFGHANISTAN's presidential elections expected to take place on July 20, Jerry Matjila, Permanent Representative of South Africa to the United Nations, said Monday.

Speaking at the UN Security Council briefing on the UN Assistance Mission in AFGHANISTAN (UNAMA), Matjila said that his country reiterates its support for the progress on electoral reform in AFGHANISTAN which "we hope will ensure that the upcoming elections are credible, timely, inclusive, fair and free, safe and transparent for all the people of AFGHANISTAN."

"South Africa would also like to commend the efforts of UNAMA, whose work has been invaluable in strengthening the capacity, capabilities, and professionalism of AFGHANISTAN's electoral assistance and monitoring bodies," he said, adding that in this regard South Africa will support the renewal of the mandate of UNAMA, which could bring positive gains for the people of AFGHANISTAN during the election and post-election period.

The recent escalating levels of violence in AFGHANISTAN, particularly the attacks which have been indiscriminate against civilians, remain a concern, he said.

Continued violence could undermine the progress which has been made in the security and political environment, especially in the lead up to the elections, Matjila said, adding that this could also exacerbate the already serious humanitarian situation that would leave many with the choice to migrate or turn to violent acts in their communities.

South Africa calls on all parties to protect Afghan women, children and those that have been displaced, from attacks and particularly from sexual and gender-based violence.

"We also wish to condemn the unlawful recruitment and use of children by armed forces and call for the protection, release and reintegration of all children associated with armed forces and armed groups. We also wish to express our deep concern about the growing links between drug production and trafficking in AFGHANISTAN and terrorism," he said.

"We strongly condemn the violent and terrorist activities in the country including attacks with improvised explosive devices, suicide attacks and assassinations," he added.