Hanoi (VNA) – Ambassador Dang Dinh Quy, head of Vietnam’spermanent mission to the United Nations (UN), has reaffirmed the country’s backingfor Afghan-led peace process, including the engagement of women and youths.

Addressing a virtual UN Security Council briefing on theAfghanistan situation and operations of the UN Assistance Mission inAfghanistan (UNAMA) on December 17, Quy said that the continued support ofUNAMA, regional countries and other international partners will be crucial tomaintaining the momentum of peace talks in Afghanistan. 

He urged all parties to fully respect internationalhumanitarian law, immediately stop targeting civilians and allow unhindered accessto humanitarian services in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Strengthened efforts are also needed to combat theincreasing presence of terrorist groups in the country, he said, emphasisingthat long-term peace and stability require robust development and sustainablelivelihoods for the people.  In thatregard, the Afghan Government and international partners should continue towork together in promoting economic development and reconstruction. 

He went on to express concern that 11.15 million people,more than one third of the country’s population, are facing high levels of foodinsecurity, and that number could increase to 13.15 million during theapproaching cold weather months.

Deborah Lyons, Special Representative of theSecretary-General for Afghanistan and UNAMA head, asked all countries tocontinue to pressure the parties to the conflict to bring about a sustainedreduction in violence and expected that this will be a top priority in thenegotiations.

Lyons noted positive signs in the peace process, such as theagreement among parties on rules and procedures for negotiations, and theformation of a working committee to discuss the agenda and present initialtopics for discussion.  At the same time,she expressed concern about increasing violence.

Ambassador Dian Triansyah Djani, head of Indonesia’spermanent mission to the UN and Chair of the Security Council Committeeestablished pursuant to resolution 1988 (2011), said that in 2020 the committeeapproved a proposal on the temporary exemption of restrictions for severalTaliban members to support peace talks with the Government.

Shkula Zadran, Afghan Youth Representative to the UN,stressed the importance of ensuring Afghans from all walks of life are engagedin the peace process in the country, calling on Taliban to respect progressachieved in the country over the past nearly two decades.

Representatives from UNSC members also reaffirmed supportfor activities of UNAMA./.