KABUL (Pajhwok): US, Russia, China and Pakistan have urged the Taliban to refrain from launching their spring offensive and believe that the peace process should continue during the foreign troop’s withdrawal.
In a joint statement issued on Friday, representatives of the extended “Troika” on peaceful settlement in Afghanistan, comprising the United States, Russia, China and Pakistan reiterated their call on all parties to the conflict in Afghanistan to reduce the level of violence in the country.
They asked the Taliban not to pursue a spring offensive. “We condemn in the strongest terms any attacks deliberately targeting civilians in Afghanistan and call on all parties to respect their obligations under international humanitarian law in all circumstances, including those related to protection of civilians.”
The four nations said they expect the Taliban to fulfill their counterterrorism commitments, including preventing terrorist groups and individuals from using Afghan soil to threaten the security of any other country; not hosting these groups and preventing them from recruiting, training, and fundraising. “We expect the Afghan government to continue counterterrorism cooperation with the international community,” the statement says.
Moscow, Washington, Beijing and Islamabad reiterated that the withdrawal of foreign troops should ensure a steady transition of the situation in Afghanistan. “We stress that, during the withdrawal period, the peace process should not be disrupted, no fights or turbulence shall occur in Afghanistan, and the safety of international troops should be ensured.”
The meeting of the extended Troika convened in Qatar’s capital Doha on April 30 was aimed to discuss ways of supporting intra-Afghan talks and helping the sides to achieve a diplomatic solution and permanent ceasefire.
Envoys of the four nations met with negotiation teams of the Afghan government and the Taliban movement, as well as with Qatar diplomats.
pr/ma
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