KARACHI, Pakistan
The US, Russia, China and Pakistan have called on all “parties” to the Afghan conflict to reduce the level of violence in the war-torn country, urging the Taliban not to continue with its so-called annual “Spring” offensive in an attempt to speed up the process. ongoing peace.
The new calls were made through a joint statement on Saturday following an extended “Troika” meeting on a peaceful settlement in Afghanistan in the Qatari capital, Doha.
Officials from the US, Russia, China and Pakistan met in Doha on Friday to discuss “ways to support ongoing intra-Afghan negotiations and help the parties reach a negotiated settlement and a permanent and comprehensive ceasefire.”
They also met representatives of the Afghan government and the Taliban.
The joint statement reiterated that the withdrawal of foreign troops must ensure a “stable transition” from the situation in Afghanistan.
“We emphasize that during the withdrawal period, the peace process must not be disturbed, no fighting or turbulence will occur in Afghanistan, and the security of international forces must be guaranteed,” he added.
Acknowledging the “sincere demand of the Afghan people for a lasting and just peace and an end to war”, the statement reiterated that there is no military solution in Afghanistan and a political settlement negotiated through an Afghanistan-led and owned process is the only way forward for peace and eternal stability in a war-torn country.
Noting the proposed withdrawal of US and NATO troops starting May 1, and to close on September 11, 2021, participants said they expected the Taliban to “fulfill counterterrorism commitments, including preventing terrorist groups and individuals from using Afghan land to threaten the security of other countries; not hosting groups. these groups, and prevent them from recruiting, training, and raising funds. “
“We hope the Afghan government continues counterterrorism cooperation with the international community,” the statement said further.
Call for an inclusive political solution
Condemning in “the strongest terms” of any attack that deliberately targets civilians in Afghanistan, it calls on all parties to respect their obligations under international humanitarian law in all circumstances, including those related to the protection of civilians.
“We emphasize that diplomatic and property personnel are inviolable, and that perpetrators of attacks or threats against foreign diplomatic personnel and property in Kabul will be held accountable,” he continued.
It urges the Afghan government and the High Council for National Reconciliation – Afghanistan’s top peace negotiating body – to “engage openly with their Taliban counterparts on a negotiated settlement. We do not support the creation in Afghanistan of any coercive government.”
The extended “troika” also supports a review of the designation status of Taliban individuals and entities under 1988 UN sanctions, as stated in UN Security Council resolution, 2513 (2020).
The meeting noted Turkey’s preparations to host a conference of senior leaders of the Afghan government and the Taliban in Istanbul after the holy month of Ramadan to speed up intra-Afghan negotiations.
“We call on the negotiating parties to make progress towards an inclusive political settlement and a comprehensive and permanent ceasefire,” the statement defended.
It calls on all Afghans, including the Afghan government and the Taliban, to “ensure that terrorist groups and individuals do not use Afghan soil to threaten the security of other countries.”
“We reiterate that any peace agreement must include the protection of the rights of all Afghans, including women, men, children, victims of war and minorities, and must respond to the strong desire of all Afghans for economic, social and political development. including the rule of law, “he concluded.
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