The UN Security Council, currently being presided over by India, has declared that it does “not support the restoration of the Islamic Emirate" in Afghanistan as it expressed deep concern over the high levels of violence in the war-torn country following the Taliban stepping up its military offensive.
It also condemned in the “strongest terms" last week's “deplorable” attack against the United Nations in Afghanistan's Herat.
In a Press statement on the “escalating violence in Afghanistan” issued by Council President India's Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador T S Tirumurti, members of the 15-nation Security Council reaffirmed that there is no military solution to the conflict and “declared that they do not support the restoration of the Islamic Emirate.”
"The members of the Security Council called on both the Islamic Republic and the Taliban to engage meaningfully in an inclusive, Afghan-led and Afghan-owned peace process in order to make urgent progress towards a political settlement and a ceasefire,” the press statement said.
“The members of the Security Council condemned in the strongest terms the deplorable attack” against the UN compound on July 30, which resulted in the death of an Afghan security forces guard and several injured.
Security Council members “expressed their deep concern about the high levels of violence in Afghanistan following the Taliban's military offensive and called for an immediate reduction of violence," the press statement said.
"They also expressed deep concern about the number of reported serious human rights abuses and violations in communities affected by the ongoing armed conflict across the country,” it said.
The Council condemned in the strongest terms all instances of terrorism and deliberate targeted attacks against civilians and “recognised that a sustainable peace can be achieved only through a comprehensive and inclusive Afghan-led, Afghan-owned peace process that aims at a permanent and comprehensive ceasefire, as well as an inclusive, just, and realistic political settlement to end the conflict in Afghanistan.”
The Council stressed the need for full, equal and meaningful participation of women in this regard.
Afghanistan Foreign Minister Mohammed Haneef Atmar said in a tweet that he spoke with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar "to discuss convening an emergency UN Security Council Session” on Afghanistan.
“UN & int'l community must play a greater role to stop the unfolding tragedy in due to Taliban violence & atrocities. Appreciate the lead role of as current UNSC President," Atmar said.
Following the issuance of the Press Statement, Afghan Mission to the UN tweeted that it welcomes the “strong condemnation" by the Security Council of all instances of terrorism and deliberate targeted attacks against civilians, including on the UN compound caused by the recent violent Taliban offensive.
“While continue prioritising the achievement of peace through negotiations, the AFG Gov, fulfilling its mandate, will continue to defend its citizens against atrocities and war crimes committed by the Taliban and their associated regional and intl terrorist groups,” the Mission added.
