The UN Secretary-General’s Special Representative for Afghanistan Tadamichi Yamamoto on Tuesday briefed the United Nations Security Council on current situation in Afghanistan, adding a direct talk between the Afghan government and the Taliban must begin as soon as possible.
He said the events of recent days and weeks have shown, more than ever, the urgency of finding a political settlement to the long Afghan conflict.
“These talks must be inclusive, representing the whole spectrum of Afghan society. It is imperative therefore that direct talks between the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan and the Taliban commence as soon as possible,” the Yamamoto said as quoted by Tolonews.
“They [Afghans] hope for an end to the conflict, but they also fear that peace might come at the sacrifice of freedom and rights which the country has striven to protect and advance for the past 18 years,” he added.
Yamamoto said any political settlement must include a promise to continue to protect and advance human rights and fundamental freedoms for all who live in Afghanistan, including those of women, youth, and minorities, as well as the freedom of expression and the media.
Meanwhile, he assured the United Nations stands ready to support an intra-Afghan process, drawing on our impartiality and expertise.
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