Russia can play leading role in Afghanistan economic reconstruction program.

10/12 Tass 179

MOSCOW, December 10 (Itar-Tass) -- With due account the USSR
experience, Russia can play the leading role in the economic
reconstruction program of Afghanistan, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister
Alexander Grushko said during the State Duma's Friday discussion of two
intergovernmental agreements with France and Spain on transit of military
cargoes and personnel through Russia.
The above-mentioned documents were signed in connection with the
participation of European states' armed forces in the efforts for
stabilisation and reconstruction of Afghanistan.
Russia takes an active part in the aforesaid efforts, Grushko said,
reaffirming, "There are a lot of projects, which meet our interests."
"In addition, it is necessary to set up a program for the economic
reconstruction of Afghanistan, in which Russia can play the leading role
with due account the experience that was accumulated by the USSR in the
construction of Afghanistan's infrastructure and social facilities, as
well as the economy as a whole," the deputy foreign minister said,
promising, "We will extend this line."
While implementing the above-mentioned agreements, Russia operates as
a responsible member of the international community in strict adherence to
the UN Security Council's decisions.
"Current developments in Afghanistan are not NATO's military
operation. Although the alliance plays the decisive role in the process,
it implements the UN SC resolution," Grushko said.
"Furthermore, we are confident and adamant that a decision on NATO
withdrawal from Afghanistan should have 'a trial run' in the UN system and
receive UN approval," the high-ranking diplomat said.
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