Elements proposed for political settlement of Afghan question.

Following an intensive round of consultations on the question of Afghanistan, the Secretary-General on 21 May issued a statement containing a number of elements which, he believed, could serve as a good basis for a political settlement which could be acceptable to the vast majority of Afghans.

The first element, he stated, was the need to preserve the sovereignty, territorial integrity, political independence, and nonaligned and Islamic character of Afghanistan.

The second was the recognition of the right of Afghans to determine their own form of government to choose their economic, political and social system, "free from outside intervention, subversion, coercion or constraint of any kind whatsoever".

The third was the need for a transition period, details of which had to be worked out and agreed upon through an intra-Afghan dialogue, leading to the establishment of a broad-based Government.

Mr. Perez de Cuellar favoured the establishment of a "credible and impartial transition mechanism with appropriate powers and authority (yet to be specified) that would enjoy the confidence of the Afghan people and provide them with the necessary assurances to participate in free and fair elections, taking into account Afghan traditions, for the establishment of a broad-based government.

Hostilities should cease during the transition period and assistance would be available from the UN and any other international organization during the transition and in the electoral process.

The fourth element, the Secretary-General continued, was the necessity of an agreement-to be implemented together with all agreed transitional arrangements-to end arms supplies to all Afghan sides, by all.

The final element was the recognition of the need for adequate financial and material resources to alleviate the hardship of Afghan refugees and the creation of necessary conditions for their voluntary repatriation, as well as for Afghanistan's economic and social reconstruction.

Intensive consultations are being conducted by the Secretary-General's Personal Representative, Benon Sevan, with all segments of the Afghan people, including political leaders of opposition groups and resistance commanders, based in Peshawar (Pakistan),

Teheran (Iran) and inside Afghanistan, as well as with prominent Afhans residing outside the region. The Governments concerned have also been consulted. The SecretaryGeneral appealed to all Afghan leaders to put the interest of their people above all other interests and resolve their people above all others interest and resolve their differences through a political process, ending the "long and devastating" war. lie also called on all Governments concerned to support the political process and respect the right of Afghans to decide their own future.

On 22 May, the Afghan Government fully supported the SecretaryGeneral's statement, stating that the proposals could lead to an end to war and bloodshed in Afghanistan and a firm foundation for ensuring peace in the country.

On 23 May, Pakistan also welcomed the five elements presented by the Secretary-General to serve as a basis for a political settlement in Afghanistan.