United Nations: Expressing concern over the worsening security situation in Afghanistan, UN Secretary General Kofi Annan has called for an expanded international participation to restore peace in the war- torn country.

"The international community must decide whether to increase its involvement in Afghanistan or risk failure given that country's deteriorating security situation," Annan said amidst increasing reports of attacks on UN staff and aid workers.

In a report to the General Assembly yesterday (Dec 8, 2003), Annan stressed that the mandate set by the Bonn Agreement can only be achieved if security improves and programmes and staff of UN and non-government agencies receive better protection.

The worsening security, especially in the South and South East of the country, he says, is Afghanistan's biggest problem. Critical political processes have been delayed or at risk because of security problem, he said.

"Unchecked criminality, outbreaks of factional fighting and activities surrounding the illegal narcotics trade have all had a negative impact on the Bonn process," he emphasised.

It has been more than 12 months since the establishment of the Transitional Administration. In this time, the initial euphoria of peace has been replaced by the complex legacies of two and a half decades of armed conflict," the report states.

PTI