Russia Set To Back Efforts Under Uф-Aegis Towards Afghanistan Settlement

Russia will go on actively to participate in international efforts under the UN aegis towards a settlement in Afghanistan, said the Press and Information Department at the Russian Foreign Ministry. Simultaneously, the Russian side will continue to give considerable humanitarian aid to the people of Afghanistan, coordinating such activities with the United Nations and other international humanitarian organisations. The UN Security Council, said the Russian foreign policy establishment, goes on actively to follow developments in and around Afghanistan. At a regular discussion of this question on October 23, members of "the UN Security Council reaffirmed the need to seal the central coordinating role of the United Nations in promoting political settlement of the Afghanistan conflict, including establishment of an efficient system of post-conflict state administration in that country". The Russian Foreign Ministry stressed that the Security Council gave a backing to the activities of Lahdar Brahimi, special envoy of the UN secretary general for Afghanistan. He is making active efforts to implement the role of the United Nations in Afghan affairs and maintaining, towards this end, contacts with interested parties. The Russian Foreign Ministry also said that concern was voiced over the complicating humanitarian situation in Afghanistan, especially the plight of refugees.