Prime Minister Harper Addresses the UN General Assembly

September 20, 2006

Prime Minister Stephen Harper today addressed the 61st Opening Session of the United Nations General Assembly, where he called for continued support of the U.N. mission in Afghanistan.

The Prime Minister said the U.N. Assistance Mission in Afghanistan lies "at the intersection of global interest and higher purpose" and he described Terrorism as a direct attack on the values enshrined in the United Nations:

• The rule of law;
• The protection of civilians;
• Mutual respect between people of different faiths; and
• The peaceful resolution of conflict.

The 19 U.N. agencies and 20,000 troops from 37 different countries are making tremendous progress in Afghanistan:

• 5 million refugees have been repatriated;
• 5 million children are now enrolled in primary school;
• 10 million Afghans registered to vote in successive democratic elections; and
• More than one-quarter of the seats in Afghanistan’s legislature are held by women.
  

Afghanistan’s progress is not yet irreversible. That’s why Canada’s defence personnel, diplomats, and development officers are on the front lines of the fight for the future of Afghanistan.

Canada’s New Government will continue to give them the support they need to complete their mission.

To read the full text of the Prime Minister's speech, click here.