UN General Assembly
2009

ascendant State institutions, a nascent civil society, a growing private sector and strong international solidarity. I can refer to many examples of how that new Afghanistan is advancing. In the fields of education, health, infrastructure, media and economic growth, the generous support and sacrifices of the international community have been vital in our joint and proud achievements in Afghanistan, for which we Afghans remain grateful. The Afghanistan presidential and provincial elections in August demonstrated the many positive changes. It was the first time in the modern history of Afghanistan that Afghan institutions were tasked with organizing and holding a nationwide election. Taking into account the socio-historic realities of Afghanistan, we passed that national test successfully. In addition to it being our first experience, we were faced with dangerous enemies who did their utmost to disrupt and derail the process by terrorizing Afghan voters. By braving Al-Qaida, the Taliban and other terrorist groups, Afghan voters demonstrated their determination and desire to have a modern, moderate and democratic political system. As in any emerging democracy, undoubtedly