TOKYO - A decade of sacrifices of cash and blood would be lost if Afghanistan did not receive continued international aid after the withdrawal of foreign troops in 2014, the UN secretary-general warned on Sunday.

Ban Ki-moon told participants of the day-long Tokyo Conference that problems could resurface in Afghanistan if concrete efforts were not made to ensure good governance, social justice and respect for human rights.
Stressing the need for creating job opportunities for Afghans, he urged the global fraternity to help the country through the transformation decade. Sacrifices of the past decade would fizzle out if the country was not given sustained aid after 2014, he said.

He acknowledged the achievements made by Afghanistan over the last 10 years in terms of security and economic development. However, the UN chief hastened to explain that the gains remained short-term and fragile.

"In Afghanistan, we are passing through a historical phase. The Afghans are taking responsibility for running their own affairs, but they need help from the international community," the secretary-general remarked.
Representatives from more than 70 countries and international organizations are taking part in the conference on political and financial aid to Afghanistan from 2015-2025.

Organizers say Kabul will hold out pledges of accountability and good governance to send out a clear message to the world that foreign aid dollars will be used effectively. (Pajhwok)