The United States, as the largest individual contributor to Afghan relief, has a record that we all can be proud of. The ongoing conflict has affected the entire region and beyond, spilling over into neighboring countries. I have spoken of drugs and terrorism. Let me also mention the refugees, arms-trafficking, ethnic and religious conflict, and the obstacle the ongoing fighting poses for those who want to see Afghanistan regain its traditional role as an important trade route between Central and South Asia. Events in Afghanistan rightfully have alarmed its neighbors.
Terrorists trained in Afghanistan operate in neighboring states.
The conflict itself threatens to spread. Fortunately, the UN was able to defuse this crisis, but as long as the fighting goes on, there is a danger it will draw in neighboring countries. We all agree the war has gone on far too long. The question arises what we are doing to bring it to a close, both bilaterally and through the UN-led peace effort. We strongly support the LTN's efforts, particularly the work of the Secretary General's special envoy Ambassador Lakhdar Brahimi.