Key points in agreement on Afghan political framework

12/05/2001

By The Associated Press

Key points of the U.N. framework for Afghanistan's political future reached by Afghan negotiators in Koenigswinter, Germany, and obtained by The Associated Press. The document is subject to change until signed by all parties at the table.

Delegates agreed to:

- The establishment of an interim administration, a special independent commission for convening of the emergency loya jirga (national assembly), and a judicial commission to rebuild the justice system in accordance with Islamic principles, international standards, the rule of law and Afghan legal traditions.

- The interim administrations will be compose of a chairman, five vice chairmen and 23 other members. It shall be entrusted with the day-to-day conduct of the affairs of state.

- The emergency loya jirga will be convened within six months of the establishment of the interim authority, and will be opened by former King Mohammed Zaher Shah. It will decide on a transitional authority, including a broad-based transitional administration to lead Afghanistan until a fully representative government can be elected, no later than two years from the convening of the emergency loya jirga.

- A judicial commission will be established with the help of the United Nations, which will help rebuild the domestic justice system in accordance with Islamic principles, international standards, the rule of law and Afghan legal traditions.

- Upon the official transfer of power, all mujahedeen, Afghan armed forces and armed groups in the country shall come under the command and control of the interim authority, and be reorganized according to the requirement of the new Afghan security and armed forces.

- The interim authority and emergency loya jirga shall act in accordance with the basic principles and provisions contained in international instruments on human rights and international humanitarian law to which Afghanistan is a party.

- The interim authority shall cooperate with the international community in the fight against terrorism, drugs and organized crime.

- The interim bodies will ensure the participation of women as well as equitable representation of all ethnic and religious communities in the interim administration and emergency loya jirga.

- The interim authority shall not grant amnesty from prosecution to persons who have committed serious violations of international humanitarian law or crimes against humanity.

- The participants request the assistance of the international community in helping the new Afghan authorities in the establishment and training of new Afghan security and armed forces.

- Because time may be required to form new Afghan security and armed forces, the participants in the U.N. talks on Afghanistan request the U.N. Security Council to consider authorizing the early deployment to Afghanistan of a United Nations mandated force. This force will assist in the maintenance of security for Kabul and its surrounding areas. Such a force could, as appropriate, be progressively expanded to other urban centers and other areas.

- The participants pledge to withdraw all military units from Kabul and other urban centers or other areas in which the U.N.-mandated force is deployed.

- The United Nations will advise the interim authority in establishing a politically neutral environment conducive to the holding of the emergency loya jirga in free and fair conditions.

- The United Nations shall have the right to investigate human rights violations and recommend corrective action.