UN stresses intra-Afghan talks, fair polls

KABUL must be lunched soon.

Briefing the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) on the Afghanistan situation, he said the conflict could be resolved only by direct talks between the Afghans.

“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 UN envoy said.

The diplomat added he had listened to many Afghans who had expressed their hopes and fears about the future. “They 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 said any political settlement must include a promise to continue to protect and advance human rights and fundamental freedoms for all living in Afghanistan, including those of women, youth and minorities, as well as the freedom of expression and the media.

Recent informal talks between representatives from Afghan society and the Taliban in Moscow and Doha had created opportunities for dialogue to address some key issues related to peace, he recalled.

“I hope that this experience will be carried forward to help deepen dialogue for constructive outcomes,” the UNAMA head remarked.

He said the United Nations stood ready to support an intra-Afghan process, drawing on its impartiality and expertise.

“I also wish to point out that peace efforts need to address and bring about a reduction in violence and eventual ceasefire,” he continued.

According to Yamamoto, the support of regional countries and beyond remains critical and their active engagement in peace efforts will be essential going forward, particularly from neighboring countries which have the most to gain from peace and stability in Afghanistan.

About elections, he said that on September 28, the Afghans would head to the polls in the fourth presidential ballot since 2001.

He said the UN fully supported efforts of the Independent Election Commission and Electoral Complaints Commission, security institutions, civil society and above all, candidates, their supporters and voters to conduct credible polls on schedule.

“Credible elections would provide an important political foundation for the future of the country as well as legitimacy and authority to the elected president, which would be particularly important in view of the expected peace process,” he said.

 “Voter turnout is important for elections. As many as 9.6 million people have registered. Voter turnout could be negatively affected by security and the general interest of voters,” Yamamoto said. “Through our field offices, we have a sense that interest in the elections is not as high as it could be.”

He called on Afghans to exercise their right to vote. He urged the electoral bodies and candidates to call upon people to come out and vote.

“Candidates, political parties, civil society and the media all have the ability to field monitors on election day, so I call on all stakeholders to obtain accreditation with the IEC in order to be present in every polling station,” Yamamoto added.

He added recent attacks by insurgents in Kunduz, Baghlan and Farah, and above all multiple attacks in Kabul, were of serious concern.

“Parties to the conflict must reduce violence and civilian casualties to demonstrate their seriousness about peace,” he concluded.

sa/mud

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