A/RES/59/112 A-B Recognizing the urgent need to tackle the remaining challenges in Afghanistan, including the lack of security in certain areas, terrorist threats, the comprehensive nationwide disarmament, demobilization and reintegration of Afghan militias, the timely preparation of the parliamentary and local elections scheduled for the spring of 2005, the reconstruction of institutions, the promotion and protection of human rights and the fight against narcotics, Reaffirming in this context its continued support for the implementation of the provisions of the Bonn Agreement of 5 December 2001, 3 and of the Berlin Declaration, including the annexes thereto, of 1 April 2004, 4 and pledging its continued support thereafter for the Government and people of Afghanistan as they rebuild their country, strengthen the foundations of a constitutional democracy and assume their rightful place in the community of nations, Expressing its appreciation and strong support for the ongoing efforts of the Secretary-General and his Special Representative for Afghanistan, and stressing the central and impartial role that the United Nations continues to play to promote peace and stability in Afghanistan, Recognizing the need for a continued strong international commitment to humanitarian assistance and for programmes, under the ownership of the Government of Afghanistan, of rehabilitation and reconstruction, and noting that visible progress in this regard can further enhance the authority of the Government and greatly contribute to the peace process, Expressing in this context its deep concern over attacks against Afghan civilians, United Nations staff, national and international humanitarian personnel and the International Security Assistance Force, Noting that, despite improvements in building the security sector, terrorist attacks caused by Al-Qaida operatives, the Taliban and other extremist groups and the lack of security caused by factional violence and criminal activity, including the illicit production of and trafficking in drugs, still remain a serious challenge, threatening the democratic process as well as reconstruction and economic development, Noting also that the responsibility for providing security and law and order throughout the country resides with the Government of Afghanistan, welcoming its continuing cooperation with the Assistance Force and the Operation Enduring Freedom coalition, and stressing the importance of extending central government authority to all parts of Afghanistan, Commending the Afghan national army and police, the Assistance Force and the Operation Enduring Freedom coalition for their contributions in improving security conditions, including for the electoral process, in Afghanistan, Commending also, among others, the countries neighbouring Afghanistan for the commitment they have shown to the Afghan presidential election, including their cooperation and support for the successful staging of out-of-country voting in the Islamic Republic of Iran and in Pakistan, _______________ 3 Agreement on Provisional Arrangements in Afghanistan Pending the Re-establishment of Permanent Government Institutions (see S/2001/1154). 4 Available from www.unama-afg.org. 2