Here’s the text of the statement Paddy Ashdown issued yesterday, following news that Afghanistan’s government and its President, Hamid Karzai, had rejected the idea the former Lib Dem leader should become the UN’s special envoy:
Last night I informed the Secretary-General of the United Nations that I am withdrawing my name from consideration for the post of Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Afghanistan.
I strongly believe that there is an urgent need for proper co-ordination of the international effort on the ground in Afghanistan if that effort – in which so much is being invested, and which is so vital both for Afghanistan and the wider world – is to stand a chance of success.
But this job can only be done successfully on the basis of a consensus within the international community and the clear support of the Government of Afghanistan. It is clear to me that, in Afghanistan at least, the support necessary to do the job effectively does not exist.
I have therefore reluctantly decided to withdraw my name from consideration for this position.
I wish President Karzai and all those involved every success as they continue to endeavour to bring stability to Afghanistan.
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