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US says it backs UN’s decision on appointment of special envoy for Afghanistan
The United States supports the United Nations resolution calling for the appointment of a special representative for Afghanistan, State Department Spokesperson Matthew Miller said at a press briefing on Wednesday.
Miller, addressing a query on the matter, stated, “We believe a special envoy would effectively coordinate international engagement on Afghanistan to realize the goals of the resolution.”
“The resolution also sends a clear message to the Taliban [IEA], the Afghan people, and the global community. It shows the UN Security Council’s support for Afghanistan’s integration into the international community, contingent upon fulfilling its international obligations,” he added.
The UN Security Council passed the resolution on Dec. 29, 2023, focusing on enhanced engagement with Afghanistan, its IEA leaders, and the appointment of a special representative.
The resolution aims for Afghanistan to reintegrate peacefully with the international community and adhere to international standards. It highlights the essential participation of Afghan women in this process and mandates the UN Secretary-General to update the Security Council within 60 days.
The special representative is expected to possess expertise in human rights and gender, and their mission includes promoting dialogue between Afghans and facilitating global diplomacy with Afghanistan, including with the IEA.
The resolution emphasizes implementing the UN assessment’s recommendations for a more structured increase in global participation. It also calls for Afghanistan to achieve peace within itself and with its neighbors, fully integrate into the international community, and meet international obligations. This includes ensuring the full, equal, meaningful, and protected involvement of Afghan women.
Following the resolution’s approval, the IEA called the appointment of a UN special representative “unnecessary.”
IEA’s spokesman Zabiullah Mujahid stated that the appointment of a representative will not have a positive result if the acting government does not agree.
Mujahid said that the acting government has fulfilled all its obligations.
Zalmay Khalilzad, the former US special representative for Afghanistan, has questioned Pakistan’s commitment to the welfare of the Afghan people, citing Islamabad’s policies over the past three decades.
Khalilzad said in a post on X that Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif advocated for the rights of Afghan women during his speech at the UN General Assembly on Friday.
Sharif said: “Fundamental rights of the Afghan people — especially women and girls — must be respected.”
Responding to the remarks, Khalilzad said Pakistan’s policies over the past 30 years raise questions about Sharif’s commitment to Afghan welfare.
He cited Pakistan’s support for militant groups against US forces and what he described as the poor treatment of Afghan refugees as examples.
Khalilzad also said Afghanistan and Pakistan need and should have much better relations, adding that “a reset is necessary.”
India’s Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri met with the UN Secretary-General’s Special Representative for Afghanistan, Rabab Fatima, on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly.
Indian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said in a post on X that Misri underscored the need to keep addressing the humanitarian needs of the Afghan people as a priority.
Misri also appreciated the role of the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) and reaffirmed India’s continued cooperation with the United Nations on Afghanistan.
The meeting comes as Afghanistan continues to face humanitarian and economic challenges, with international agencies warning of significant needs among the Afghan population.
Kazakhstan’s Foreign Minister Mukhtar Tileuberdi has called for pragmatic and coordinated international engagement with Afghanistan, saying the country’s long-term stability is closely linked to the security and sustainable development of Central Asia.
Speaking during the general debate of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York on Friday, Tileuberdi said humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan remains essential but alone cannot break the cycle of poverty, displacement and dependency.
He said Kazakhstan supports a “pragmatic, coordinated and step-by-step” approach to international engagement with Afghanistan, with the United Nations playing a central role.
Tileuberdi also said Kazakhstan is working with the UN to operationalize the United Nations Regional Centre for the Sustainable Development Goals for Central Asia and Afghanistan in Almaty.
He said the success of the centre should be measured by the results and assistance it delivers to the region.
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