Afghanistan goes unrepresented at UNGA

KABUL (Pajhwok): As the UN General Assembly ended in New York on Monday, no one from Afghanistan spoke to delegates from around the globe.

Appointed by then president Ashraf Ghani, Ambassador Ghulam Isaczai was due to address the annual UN General Assembly.

But his name was struck off the list of speakers on Monday in a move brokered by Washington, Beijing and Moscow, AFP reported.

The news agency quoted one diplomat as believing that there was an agreement that was struck by the three powers.

Another influential ambassador, who wished to go unnamed, hailed the move as a “wise decision”.

In a letter last week, the Taliban requested UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres that new Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi be allowed to attend the session instead of Isaczai.

They said Isaczai no longer represented Afghanistan at the global body. But diplomats at the UN said Isaczai appeared on the list of speakers until Sunday.

Monica Grayley, spokeswoman for the assembly’s president, said: “The country withdraws its participation in the general debate.” She added the Afghan mission had not cited any reason for pulling out.

Meanwhile, a UN spokesperson said Isaczai pulled out of speaking to world leaders.

The UNGA Credential Committee may vote in November on which of the competing delegations represent Afghanistan.

PAN Monitor/mud

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