Taliban should immediately stop attacks on cities: UN

KABUL (Pajhwok): UN envoy for Afghanistan Deborah Lyons, who is also head of UNAMA, has asked the Taliban to stop attacks on cities, a statement from the Presidential Palace said Tuesday.

According to the statement, Lyons made the remarks during a meeting with President Ashraf Ghani late on Monday.

The meeting discussed the general situation of the country and increased violence from Taliban side.

Lyons said that increased violence from Taliban and their aggressive attacks were in violation of peace mentality and human rights, the statement said.

The meeting also stressed on concrete steps towards establishment of peace in Afghanistan, the source added.

On the other hand, President Ashraf Ghani said that the focus of the government was to end violence and reach a just and durable peace in Afghanistan.

UNAMA in a tweet today stated that Deborah Lyons in the meeting asked the Taliban to immediately stop their attacks.

She said that Afghan political leaders should work for consensus and unity. Lyons also expressed her concern over attacks on cities and huge damage to civilians.

“Afghanistan’s neighbours and regional countries can play a vital role. They must urgently demonstrate leadership and with concrete actions show they can set aside petty differences and act in the interest of peace in Afghanistan and prevent instability across the region,” she concluded.

mds/ma