Diplomats said on Thursday that the UN Security Council is discussing a draft statement that would condemn Taliban attacks on cities and towns that cause high civilian casualties and abuse and endanger Afghanistan’s peace and stability. sanctions will be threatened for the acts.
The formal statement, prepared by Estonia and Norway and seen by Reuters, is to be unanimously agreed upon by the 15-member body.
The text also “strongly affirms that the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan is not recognized at the United Nations and declares that it supports the establishment of any government imposed in Afghanistan through military force or the restoration of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan.” Doesn’t and won’t.”
The UN special envoy for Afghanistan, Deborah Lyon, last week questioned the Taliban’s commitment to a political settlement, telling the Security Council that the war had entered a “deadly and more destructive phase”.
“The Security Council strongly condemns the armed attacks by Taliban forces on cities and towns in Afghanistan, resulting in large numbers of civilian casualties,” the draft statement said.
The draft text also outlines a council “readiness to impose additional measures on those responsible for human rights violations or violations or violations of international humanitarian law, including those involved in attacks targeting civilians, and individuals or entities.” involves, or provides support for, acts that threaten peace, stability or security.”
The United Nations said on Thursday it was particularly concerned about changes in fighting in urban areas in Afghanistan, warning that it would have “disastrous effects on civilians” if the Taliban attack reaches the capital, Kabul.
The Taliban have intensified their campaign to defeat the US-backed government since April as foreign forces complete their withdrawal after 20 years. Islamist militants now control about two-thirds of Afghanistan.
The group claimed control of two of Afghanistan’s biggest cities on Thursday, according to media reports, as the United States and Britain said they would send thousands of troops to help evacuate their embassy staff.
According to Al Jazeera TV, the collapse of major cities was a sign that Afghans welcome the Taliban, with a spokesman for the group saying they will not “close the door to the political track”.