United Nations, Muharram 11, 1433, Dec 6, 2011, SPA - U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon pledged Monday the world body's commitment to support Afghanistan in its efforts for a better, peaceful, and prosperous life for its people. “Success requires effective engagement from us all, now and for the long term,” Ban told an international conference of 100 countries in Bonn, Germany. “Over the past decade, our unity and resolve have been tested. And yet, we have persevered, together, on behalf of the Afghan people.” “We reaffirm our commitment to support Afghanistan in its efforts for a better, peaceful, and prosperous life for all its people, women and men alike,” the Secretary-General said. “At the same time, we know that the cycle of suffering has not been broken,” Ban said. “I am deeply concerned that violence remains a constant factor in the daily life of the Afghan people. It is hard to build when violence hijacks the reconstruction and development agenda.” The U.N. Chief outlined several achievements over the past decade made with international help, including the return of 4.6 million Afghan refugees, the enrollment of 7.3 million more children in school, and better healthcare. “Looking ahead, we known the challenges are large, but we will not be deterred,” the Secretary General said, adding that in addition to long-term engagement from the international community, success in Afghanistan will require reconciliation. “The Afghan people have long understood that lasting stability must grow from a political process grounded in dialogue and consensus. We must draw from the centuries-old wisdom of the Afghans and endorse the fundamental principles of national reconciliation-Afghan-led and fully inclusive,” Ban said. --SPA 11:11 LOCAL TIME 08:11 GMT www.spa.gov.sa/949863