United Nations Security Council members Tuesday condemned the announcement released by the Taliban on spring offensive, saying it will “only result in more unnecessary suffering and destruction for the Afghan people”.
The UNSC in a statement said, “Members of the Security Council recognized the Afghan people’s strong desire for sustainable peace in Afghanistan. They underscored that calls for more fighting will not advance the goal of making a sustainable peace.”
United Nation encouraging both parties of conflict said they should come together seizing any possible chances, filling gaps and brining all Afghans together to negotiate for peaceful, better yet, war-free country.
“The members of the Security Council called on all parties to the conflict to seize the opportunity to begin an inclusive intra-Afghan dialogue and negotiations that result in a political settlement,” said the statement.
The members also assured full support to the process, walking along with Afghan government towards prosperity and stability in Afghanistan.
“The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) and the Special Representative of the Secretary-General stand ready to provide their good offices to support the Afghan-led and Afghan-owned peace process, if requested by and in close consultation with the Afghan Government,” statement further said.
Meanwhile, United States Special Envoy Zalmay Khalilzad supported UN in a tweet for backing Afghan-led peace process, adding it is time for peace in Afghanistan through a profound dialogue and negotiations.
He also depicted on the other side of the image, saying those oppose the motive of peaceful talks are on the “wrong side of history.”
“As the UN statement also makes evident, it’s long past time for the war and violence to end, a ceasefire to be put in place, and dialogue & negotiations to begin,” said Khalilzad in a tweet early Wednesday. “For any party to oppose these objectives is to be on the wrong side of history.”
(2/2) As the UN statement also makes evident, it's long past time for the war and violence to end, a ceasefire to be put in place, and dialogue & negotiations to begin. For any party to oppose these objectives is to be on the wrong side of history. #AfghanPeaceProcess
— U.S. Special Representative Thomas West (@US4AfghanPeace) April 16, 2019
The annual spring offensive traditionally marks the start of the so-called fighting season, though the announcement is largely symbolic as in recent winters the Taliban has continued fighting Afghan and US forces, local media reported.
Follow TKG on Twitter & Facebook
