UN Calls For 'Fast Reforms' In Afghan Judiciary, Police

(RFE/RL) June 5, 2006 -- The head of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) has said that country must introduce "fast reforms" in its judiciary and police.

The comment, by UNAMA head and UN Special Representative Tom Koenigs, comes a week after several people were killed and buildings were destroyed in violent demonstrations in the capital, Kabul, on May 29.

Those riots erupted after a U.S. military vehicle was involved in a fatal traffic accident.

Koenigs blamed much of the violence on criminals and looters, and said the police response was "very weak and disappointing."

Afghan police reported more than 200 arrests amid the rioting.

Koenigs said today that the violence caused "immense" damage to Afghanistan's reputation and could deter the investment it is seeking.

(Reuters, AFP)