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I would like to thank the Special Representative of the Secretary General Ján Kubiš for his briefing and express my delegation's appreciation for his leadership throughout his tenure at the helm of UNAMA. Lithuania aligns with the statement to be made on behalf of the EU. Madame President, With the support of the international community, during the last decade Afghanistan has made considerable progress in a number of areas, including the rule of law, national capacity building, human rights, women’s participation, education and health system, as well as infrastructure development. The elections earlier this year reaffirmed the desire of the Afghan people to assume responsibility for the future of their country. Voter turnout spoke for itself. Many voted in spite of intimidations and threats to their lives.

As the Independent Election Commission and the Independent Electoral Complaints Commission are to conclude the presidential run-off audit and announce the preliminary results, we strongly urge the two contenders - Dr. Abdullah Abdullah and Dr. Ashraf Ghani – to place the interests of their people above all else and translate their passion for the future of Afghanistan into the formation of a national unity government. Utmost care must be taken to avoid all and any acts that could derail Afghanistan’s historic transformation.

The leading role of the United Nations in responding to Afghan requests for support the 12 July agreement is much appreciated. Audit supervision has been unprecedented in its scale, depth and scrutiny. UNAMA’s outstanding work and coordination with ISAF, EU and OSCE teams have been of critical importance to ensuring an outcome that genuinely reflects the will of the Afghan people.

Madame President,

The attempts by terrorist and insurgent networks to take advantage of the protracted electoral crisis and the growing levels of violence in the country are of great concern. The sharp increase in civilian deaths and injuries in 2014 resulting from escalating ground engagements between anti-government elements and Afghan National Security Forces, terrorist acts and the use of improvised explosive devices, particularly in civilian-populated areas, is a worrying trend.

We urge all parties to uphold their obligations under international humanitarian and human rights law to protect civilian population. The perpetrators of acts of violence against civilian population must be brought to account. We also condemn all incitement and attacks against UN and other international staff, aid and medical workers, as well as their assets and facilities. Putting an end to impunity for such attacks is a must. Accountability must become part and parcel of how the new Afghanistan operates.

Continued international assistance will be essential in the years to come in order to sustain Afghanistan’s transformation. We welcome the Wales Summit Declaration on Afghanistan which stresses the importance of post-2014 Resolute Support Mission contributing to the further development of professional Afghan security forces, and sends a strong signal on the necessity of continued international support for the protection of human rights, development of education, health, and social sectors, as well as long-term political and economic cooperation.

In this context we stress the urgency of concluding the SOFA agreement without any further delay so that future security assistance can proceed smoothly. Lithuania remains committed to supporting Afghanistan’s development and democracy. Our cooperation with and assistance to the Afghan people, including financial support to ANSF, will continue as stated at the Chicago Summit, Tokyo Conference and other meetings on Afghanistan. Lithuania intends to stay in Afghanistan beyond 2014 as part of a new training mission once all the necessary agreements are in place.

Madame President,

We are well aware of the challenges that lie ahead for Afghanistan. Further progress is needed towards peace and reconciliation, strengthening regional ties, including through the Istanbul process and bilaterally, as well as tackling illicit economy, and advancing the rule of law. The new government will have to step up actions aimed at addressing the country’s economic situation, combatting corruption and drug trafficking, as well as implementation of measures aimed at combating the financing of terrorism and money laundering.

In regard to women’s rights, we note that incidents of violence against women in Afghanistan remain underreported, especially in rural areas, for fear of social stigma, exclusion, or reprisals. We encourage the Afghan government to continue efforts aimed at implementing the 2013 CEDAW recommendations, the Afghan National Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security (WPS NAP), and the 2009 Elimination of Violence Against Women Law.

Women’s genuine and meaningful participation in peace and reconciliation, including peace jirgas and provisional councils, is an integral part of fostering durable peace and development in the country. Ensuring women’s safety and dignity in the workplace is key for women to join civil service. The recruitment, training, and retention of women in the Afghan National Security Forces must also be pursued more vigorously.

To conclude, Madam President, the presidential contestants’ acceptance of the election results and the formation of a national unity government are the most imminent priorities for Afghanistan today. All eyes are on the two of them. They cannot, must not fail the expectations of a nation which has been through so much. Afghanistan needs strong leadership and a viable, capable national unity government, a solid partner for the international community which stands ready to continue to work closely with Afghanistan to create a sustainable, peaceful and prosperous future for all Afghan people.

I thank you.