Security Council Issues Statements Reiterating Recent Election’s Importance --- To Transition in Afghanistan, Threat Posed by Opium Cultivation -- During a debate on the situation in Afghanistan, the Security Council issued two presidential statements on recent elections, reiterating their importance to that country's transition and democratic development, and on the threat posed by rampant illicit opium cultivation. -- In a presidential statement (S/PRST/2014/11), the Council welcomed the holding of the second round of the presidential election on 14 June. The 15-member body commended the participation and courage of the Afghan people to cast their ballot despite the threat and intimidation by the Taliban and other violent extremist and terrorist groups. It also commended the participation of Afghan women in the electoral process, underlining the key role they played in Afghan-led peace, democracy and stability. -- By the presidential statement, the Council called on all stakeholders to engage with the electoral institutions and processes with patience and respect, and to refrain from any acts that incited imminent violence. It also called on all political entities to work together with the aim of strengthening Afghanistan's sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity and national unity. The Council looked forward to the conclusion of the electoral process and welcomed the ongoing support of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA). -- Turning to the proliferation of illicit drugs in Afghanistan, the Council issued a presidential statement (S/PRST/2014/12) that reaffirmed its commitment to the sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity and national unity of the country and expressed concern at the increase in poppy production. -- By the presidential statement, the Council called on the United Nations to support the Government of Afghanistan's national priority programmes and called upon all States to strengthen international and regional cooperation to counter the threat to the international community posed by the production, trafficking and consumption of illicit drugs originating in that country. -- Ján Kubiš, the Secretary-General’ s Special Representative, addressing the Council via video tele-conference from Kabul, updated members on recent election-related events, echoing the body's call for calm amid hateful rhetoric stemming from voting. All necessary steps needed to be taken by the two presidential candidates, Abdullah Abdullah and Ashraf Ghani Ahmadzai, to avoid any "slippery slope" to civil disorder and instability. -- In the face of challenges following elections, he said how both candidates and the country's leadership managed those events would be vital to national unity and stability. "We can provide technical expertise to advise on possibilities and modalities of strengthened checks and balances," he said. "What we cannot do is prepare solutions and decide on behalf of Afghans — that is the exclusive responsibility of Afghans." -- Yury Fedotov, Executive Director of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), also addressing the Council, emphasized that Afghanistan needed continued international support. If economic development declined, reliance on the illicit market would further increase. -- " Afghanistan needs a meaningful action plan that has a long-term development, peace and security approach," he said, emphasizing three key areas: reducing the vulnerability of citizens to the illicit economy; removing opportunities for criminals by focusing on good governance; and generating the political will that could introduce long-term engagement. "Development and economic growth must go together with resolute action in addressing drug trafficking networks and transnational organized crime in Afghanistan, across the region and at the interregional level." -- More, http://www.un.org/News/Press/docs/2014/sc11451.doc.htm