Taliban Must Adhere To Commitment On Terror, Travel: India At UN
(This was originally posted in Times Of India)
Describing the situation in Afghanistan as “very fragile”, India told the UN on Thursday it is important that the Taliban adhere to their commitment of not allowing the use of Afghan soil for terrorism, including by UN-designated terror groups like Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Muhammed. Participating in a debate, India’s permanent representative to the UN, ambassador T S Tirumurti, recalled that the August 30 UNSC resolution had underlined that Afghan territory should not be used to threaten or attack any country or to shelter or train terrorists, or to plan or to finance terrorist acts. India has underlined these concerns repeatedly at the UN and in interactions with other nations.
It (the resolution) took into account some of our collective concerns, in particular on terrorism, where it has noted the commitment of the Taliban not to allow the use of Afghan soil for terrorism, including from terrorists and terrorist groups designated under resolution 1267,” said Tirumurti.”As witnessed from the deplorable terrorist attack at Kabul airport last month, terrorism continues to pose a serious threat to Afghanistan. It is, therefore, important that commitments made in this regard are respected and adhered to,” he added.
Adopted under India’s presidency of the Security Council, the resolution had named Taliban and mentioned its commitment on the issue of terrorism, and also taken note of the Taliban statement that Afghans will be able to travel abroad in an unhindered manner. “We hope that these commitments will be adhered to, including regarding the safe, secure, and orderly departure from Afghanistan of Afghans and all foreign nationals,” Tirumurti said.India also called on the international community to rise above any partisan interests and stand together with the people of Afghanistan in their desire for peace, stability and security in the country.
“The situation in Afghanistan continues to be very fragile. As its immediate neighbour and a friend to its people, the current situation is of direct concern to us,” Tirumurti said. He said uncertainties abound about the future of the Afghan people, as well as about sustaining and building on the gains achieved over the last two decades. “In this context, we reiterate the need for the voices of Afghan women to be heard, aspirations of Afghan children to be realised and the rights of minorities to be protected. We call on humanitarian assistance to be provided urgently and underline the need to provide unhindered access to the UN and other agencies in this regard,” he said.
