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UN’s DiCarlo says trust and honesty needed by all parties for Afghanistan to move forward
“Human rights and especially the rights of women and girls , and inclusion of all members of society will continue to be an integral part of our discussions,” DiCarlo said.
UN Under-Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs Rosemary DiCarlo said on Tuesday after meeting with members of Afghanistan’s civil society that there “really is a need to build trust on all sides”.
Addressing a press conference after her meeting, she said it was important to have dialogue “that’s built on honesty”.
“It’s got to be based on principles, those of the UN Charter, and various human rights treaties that Afghanistan is a party to.”
She said: “We are still at the beginning of this process.”
According to her there was a need for everyone to be patient and realistic.
“It’s a process based on the independent that the UN Security Council recognized last November; the assessment calls for a more coordinated and structured process, with clear conditions and expectations from all sides.
“It also calls for a principled, step-for-step approach with a clear understanding of the outcomes and commitments from all sides.
“Human rights and especially the rights of women and girls , and inclusion of all members of society will continue to be an integral part of our discussions.”
In terms of moving forward, DiCarlo said there had been a discussion in Monday’s meeting with special envoys and the Islamic Emirate on the possibility of establishing smaller working groups to discuss key issues.
“We are continuing that discussion on how to proceed forward,” she said.
Once again she reiterated that this process was in its early stages and would need time and patience.
“Really, our approach has one goal. And that’s helping all the people of Afghanistan.”
DiCarlo’s meeting with civil society representatives not part of the official agenda. Contrary to earlier reports that no envoys from foreign countries had attended this meeting, DiCarlo said there “had been a fair number of member states” at the meeting.
She pointed out attendance had been “optional”.
Asked whether civil society representatives were upset at having been sidelined from the 3rd Doha meeting she said: “Obviously, civil society, many would have like to be at the meeting but they were pleased to have the opportunity to speak with some of the envoys.”
DiCarlo was also asked why such the two-day meeting and the meeting with Afghan civil society representatives had been so shrouded in secrecy; and why the identities of the civil society members were being withheld.
In answer, she put it down to the UN “respecting the privacy” of individuals and that UN meetings are closed events.
She did however say the international community does feel that Afghanistan is not abiding by its international obligations.
However, at the very end of the two-day meeting, mention was made that eventually there would be a need for an “intra-Afghan dialogue”.
“What we are doing is not an intra-Afghan dialogue right now. We are just going through issues at this point; and we want to get various perspectives.
“Let’s be perfectly honest, the citizens and the de facto authorities are not ready for sitting down at the table with each other. At least they weren’t for this past meeting,” she said.
The two-day UN-led Doha meeting was the third of its kind but the first one that the Islamic Emirate attended.
However, representatives of Afghan civil societies had been barred from attending the event. Instead, DiCarlo and some foreign envoys met with them in a separate meeting on Tuesday.
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Sources told Ariana News that talks between the Islamic Emirate delegation and European Union representatives in Brussels concluded on Tuesday.
According to the sources, both sides discussed the resumption of consular services for Afghans across Europe, the need for confidence-building measures, the expansion of consular presence, and ensuring a dignified process for the return of Afghan citizens.
The delegation, led by Abdul Qahar Balkhi, spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, traveled to Brussels with representatives from the Ministry of Interior also included in the delegation.
This marks the first time that a delegation from the Islamic Emirate has been officially invited by the European Union to Brussels and engaged in direct talks with European representatives.
Participants described the discussions as constructive and expressed hope that the process will pave the way for positive developments and help safeguard the consular rights of Afghans living in Europe.
Afghanistan’s Ministry of Public Works has signed a contract worth more than AFN 1.25 billion for the reconstruction of a 15-kilometer section of the strategically important Salang Highway in Southern Salang, as part of ongoing efforts to rehabilitate one of the country’s most vital transport corridors.
The ministry said the project, valued at AFN 1.252 billion, will cover a section of the highway stretching from Olang to Jabal al-Siraj. Construction work is expected to begin in the near future.
Speaking at the contract signing ceremony, Minister of Public Works Mohammad Isa Sani described the Salang Highway as one of Afghanistan’s most important economic arteries, emphasizing the need for the project to be implemented on time and in accordance with technical standards and quality requirements.
According to the ministry, the 15-kilometer road section, which has a width of 12 meters, will undergo full rehabilitation and asphalt paving. The project also includes the construction of five new culverts, the widening of 33 existing culverts, and the construction of 600 meters of roadside drainage channels.
The ministry noted that reconstruction work on the Southern Salang section from the Salang Tunnel to Olang is being carried out using concrete pavement. A significant portion of that work has already been completed, while the remaining construction is still underway.
Officials added that the broader Salang Highway rehabilitation program is progressing across three sections: Southern Salang, Northern Salang, and the Khinjan–Doshi route. Major infrastructure, including the tunnel, galleries, and vulnerable sections of the highway, has already undergone extensive reconstruction using three layers of concrete.
The Salang Highway is one of Afghanistan’s most critical transportation and transit routes, linking the country’s northern provinces with Kabul. It plays a key role in facilitating the movement of people, commercial goods, and agricultural products across the country.
International Sports
Messi breaks World Cup scoring record as Argentina reach knockout stage
The record-breaking performance continued a remarkable run for the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner, who has now scored in six consecutive World Cup matches and leads the Golden Boot race with five goals.
Lionel Messi added another remarkable chapter to his legendary career on Monday, becoming the all-time leading scorer in FIFA World Cup history as Argentina secured a 2-0 victory over Austria and booked their place in the knockout rounds of the 2026 tournament.
The Argentine captain scored both goals in a hard-fought Group J encounter, taking his World Cup tally to 18 goals and surpassing Germany’s Miroslav Klose, who previously held the record with 16.
Just days before his 39th birthday, Messi delivered when it mattered most, despite seeing an early penalty saved. His brace ensured defending champions Argentina maintained their perfect start to the tournament and qualified for the Round of 32 with a game to spare.
The record-breaking performance continued a remarkable run for the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner, who has now scored in six consecutive World Cup matches and leads the Golden Boot race with five goals.
Nearly 20 years after making his World Cup debut, Messi is once again at the centre of football history, proving that age has done little to diminish his extraordinary influence on the game’s biggest stage.
As the race for the trophy heats up, fans across Afghanistan can tune in live to Ariana Radio and Television Network (ATN) to watch the thrilling event. For updated schedules, highlights and information, fans can follow Ariana Television and Ariana News’ social media platforms.
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