UN chief warns of Afghan decline

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United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon has warned that there is a risk that Afghanistan's deteriorating situation could become irreversible.

Mr Ban said a controversial election, a weak government and a drastic rise in violence had caused a "gloomy atmosphere" in Afghanistan.

Mr Ban's observations appear in a new UN report on Afghanistan.

Afghanistan has been rocked by rising violence and political turmoil in recent months.

Describing this period as a "critical juncture", Mr Ban said "the situation cannot continue as is" if the country's allies want to beat back the Taliban and stabilise the current government.

He commended the recent decision by the US to boost its forces in Afghanistan, but also suggested several other steps to help turn the situation around.

One is the appointment of a major civilian official to work with foreign troops in the country.

Another suggestion is for a new development structure run jointly by the UN and the Afghan government.

However, Mr Ban said these changes must be buttressed by a shift in attitude by the Afghan government and international donors.

He said all parties had to focus on building up Afghan self-reliance, or else they would risk "entrenchment and ultimately failure".