(as delivered)

Mr President,

On behalf of Australia, I would like to congratulate China on its assumption of the Presidency for this month. I would also like to congratulate Bosnia & Herzegovina, Brazil, Gabon, Lebanon and Nigeria as they take up their vital duties as elected members of this important institution.

As the Secretary-General said, we are now at a critical juncture in Afghanistan – what is needed now is unity of effort, greater attention to key priorities, and a new mindset on the part of the international community and the Government of Afghanistan.

This imperative is increasingly being recognised within Afghanistan and internationally. It is reflected in the renewed commitment to an effective strategy articulated by US President Obama and ISAF late last year, and in ongoing work by the international community and the Afghan Government to redefine their partnership so as to better meet the pressing needs of the Afghan people.

Mr President,

The security situation remains difficult and dangerous. Levels of violence will likely increase further in the coming year as the insurgency comes under increased pressure from Afghan and ISAF operations.

Recent attacks, such as those in Khost and Kandahar – for which we offer our condolences to all those affected – are a reminder of the ongoing human cost of our necessary efforts build security and stability in Afghanistan.

Australia has boosted its contribution to the critical task of strengthening the Afghan security capacity, as a key focus of efforts to deny terrorists safehaven in Afghanistan.

We are committed to train the ANA to a point where it can take on security in Oruzgan Province, where our troops have been serving alongside the Dutch, who have led capably in that province over the last four years. Australian police have also expanded their efforts to train and advise Afghan police.

We continue to expand our contribution on the civilian side, with a particular emphasis on building the capacity of the Afghan authorities to deliver more effective governance and basic services.

Mr President,

We thank the Secretary-General for his report and his statement here today, and the SRSG Kai Eide for his presentation. I join others who have praised his leadership, and the work he and his staff in UNAMA have done under the most difficult of circumstances.

We too welcome President Karzai’s commitment to action that he set out in his inauguration speech.

Timely finalisation of a credible and competent new Cabinet will be an important initial step towards ensuring the new Afghan Government realises early, demonstrable progress on its key priorities – improving governance, including at local levels, addressing corruption, delivering basic services, progressing reintegration and reconciliation efforts and strengthening the ANA and the national police.

We agree with the SG’s report that the problems associated with the 2009 presidential election very much demonstrate the need for reform of some key aspects of the electoral system.

Lessons need to be learnt and shortcomings rectified, in particular before the next parliamentary elections, in order to secure Afghan and international support for democratic processes in Afghanistan.

We all need to lift our game. Increased efforts on the civilian side need to be well targeted and better coordinated. The UN has an indispensable role to play, which can be further strengthened, but other key players, including ISAF, also have an important contribution to make to improved coordination of civilian effort.

International coordination mechanisms need to ensure that the necessary coordination actually happens, in a regular, effective and efficient manner – and at all the levels it needs to be to ensure there is an actual outcome on the ground.

We too were pleased to support the enhanced package for UNAMA at the end of last year. But UNAMA’s actual mission strength remains a concern. If it would assist the mission, we should look at flexible arrangements, such as providing secondees or liaison officers.

UNAMA’s security needs must be met to enable it to continue to play its indispensible role throughout the country.

Mr President,

Australia stands ready to work with the new Afghan government and the international community. We look forward to the London conference, and a subsequent one in Kabul in spring, as a basis for a renewed partnership between the Afghan Government and the international community and a renewed commitment between the Afghan Government and people.

We all must remain committed to this vitally important effort to reclaim Afghanistan from violence and extremism. Afghanistan has endured so much, for so long. It was a difficult year last year. We have an equally difficult one ahead. But with the right commitment, and unity of purpose, we will provide a better future in the years ahead.

Thank you.