Atmar, Lyons talk surge in violence, ceasefire

KABUL (Pajhwok): Foreign Minister Mohammad Hanif Atmar has praised UN assistance to Afghanistan over the past 19 years, particularly the world body’s continued support for the peace process.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Atmar met UNS Secretary General’s Special Representative for Afghanistan Ambassador Deborah Lyons on the sidelines of the Geneva Conference.

At the outset, Atmar thanked the UN for its assistance and cooperation over the past 19 years, particularly its continued support for the peace process.

Minister Atmar referred to the Geneva Conference as a landmark event in Afghanistan’s continued partnership with international community and thanked UNAMA for the key role it has played in making it possible.

The two sides discussed the need for building sustainable peace in Afghanistan through the ongoing negotiations in Qatar.

They voiced concern at the unprecedented high levels of violence perpetuated by the Taliban and stressed the need to reduce. They also called for the establishment of a comprehensive ceasefire.

A statement from the ministry said they also talked about the need for the preservation and expansion of political, democratic and socio-economic achievements of the past two decades in Afghanistan.

Ambassador Lyons assured Atmar of UN’s continued commitment to and cooperation with Afghanistan.

sa/mud

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