Dushanbe conference wants peace talks to continue

KABUL (Pajhwok): The Heart of Asia–Istanbul Process conference has pledged supporting the ongoing peace process and the continuity of negotiations between the Afghan government and the Taliban.

In a declaration issued at the end of the conference in Dushanbe on Tuesday, delegates from participating countries and international organisations’ representatives called on Afghanistan’s neighbours to maximise efforts for the success of the Afghan peace process.

The declaration acknowledged contributions of neighbouring countries and regional and international partners, urging them to speed up efforts for the success of the peace process.

The participants believed long-term stability and prosperity in the region required peace and security in Afghanistan.

According to the declaration, the region and the international community, have a shared responsibility and common interest to work together for promoting peace and stability in Afghanistan.

“We welcome renewed diplomatic efforts by all countries to accelerate the peace process through meaningful negotiation, including the ongoing talks in Doha, the Moscow “Troika Plus” meeting and preparations for a high-level meeting in Turkey.”

The declaration also backed an enhanced role for the UN in the peace process in Afghanistan.

“We recognise that a comprehensive and permanent ceasefire will enable all sides to reach an agreement on a political settlement.”

Any political settlement must protect the rights of all Afghans, including women, youth and minorities, the delegates stressed.

It denounced the high level of violence, especially the high number of civilian causalities and deliberate targeting of civil society activists, human rights defenders, journalists and media workers by the Taliban and other terrorist groups.

The delegates voiced their concerns at the continued relations between the Taliban and international terrorist groups, including Al-Qaida, as outlined in the 27th report of the Analytical Support and Sanctions Monitoring Team of the United Nations Security Council (S/2021/68).”

The declaration hailed the sacrifices of the Afghan security forces commending their sacrifices and achievements in the fight against international terrorism. It went on to underline the importance of supporting the Afghan government in capacity building — in particular of the ANDSF, in securing their country and in the fight against international terrorism.

The participants voiced their concern about the high level of illicit cultivation and production of opium in Afghanistan.

“We recognise the central and impartial role of the United Nations in promoting peace and stability in Afghanistan and express our appreciation of all efforts of the Secretary-General and his Special Representative for Afghanistan through the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA).”

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