'Afghanistan must not become safe haven for terrorists'
By Anish Kumar | First Published Aug 7, 2021, 9:41 PM ISTDuring Friday's UNSC debate on Afghanistan, which was held under India's presidency, the members condemned the violence being unleashed by the Taliban in different parts of the country.
In an indirect reference to Pakistan, the Afghanistan government has asked the Taliban leadership to sever ties with foreign terrorists so that the country must not become a safe sanctuary for terrorists and terror activities.
Welcoming the United Nations Security Council discussion on the deteriorating situation in the war-torn country, Afghanistan foreign minister Mohammed Haneef Atmar said, "... Afghanistan must not become a safe haven for terrorists. This requires compelling the Taliban to sever ties with foreign terrorists and fulfil their obligations in accordance with the Doha Agreement, UNSCR 2513 and Extended Troika and Heart of Asia consensus."
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During Friday's UNSC debate on Afghanistan, which was held under India's presidency, the members condemned the violence being unleashed by the Taliban in different parts of the country.
In its opening remarks, India had asked the Taliban to shun the path of violence and cut ties from Pakistan-based terror organisation Al Qaeda.
Indian envoy to the United Nations TS Tirumurti said that it was essential that the Taliban engage in the negotiations in good faith, eschew the path of violence, sever ties with the Al Qaeda and other terror organisations, and fully commit itself towards reaching a political settlement.
"We appreciate the calls for cessation of violence, protection of civilian lives, prevention of human right violations, implementation of UNSCR 2513 and prosecution of perpetrators of war crimes. We echo UNSC views on the indispensability of a peaceful settlement and women's inclusion," Atmar said.
The Afghanistan minister also urged for an emergency UNSC session and said, "We also reiterate our call for a Special Session of Human Rights Council and deployment of a Fact-Finding Mission and Special Rapporteurs to Afghanistan to investigate and help prevent Taliban's attacks on cities & human rights violations."
Afghanistan is witnessing a turbulent situation in the backdrop of the United States and its allied forces returning to their home country. So far, over 95 per cent of troops have left the country.
Keeping the deteriorating situation in mind, the United States and the United Kingdom have asked their nationals to leave the country immediately.
Meanwhile, the US, Pakistan and China will attend the meeting of the Russia-led extended Troika on August 11 in Qatar.
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