UNSC stays split on travel ban waivers for IEA leaders  

KABUL (Pajhwok): The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) has once again failed to overcome divisions on travel ban exemptions for the ‘Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (IEA)’ leaders.

At a meeting on Monday, members of the powerful UN body remained split on whether to exempt some of Taliban officials from a travel ban, AFP reported.

The news agency quoted diplomatic sources as saying no via media could be found, as each side rejected proposals from the other.

As Ireland raised objections to the automatic renewal of travel ban exemptions for Taliban officials for another month, the exceptions expired this last Friday.

As Russia and China supported continued exemptions for all 13 Taliban officials, the US and Western states want the number of beneficiaries to be cut.

With discussions expected to continue, the 15-member council could not reach an agreement on the issue last week.

While easing sanctions, the UNSC had earlier given some Taliban leaders waivers to help them travel to participate in peace negotiations hosted by different states.

PAN Monitor/mud