 |
| The UN Security Council room is where delegates from various countries hold meetings. Photo: File/AFP |
NEW YORK – According to sources, the five permanent members of the UN Security Council voted on Wednesday to push the Taliban to be more inclusive following their takeover of Afghanistan.
Last month's Taliban win was characterized by China and Russia as a setback for the US, and they rushed to cooperate with the militants, but no country has moved to recognize a government that comprises worldwide outcasts.
After the meeting, Secretary-General Antonio Guterres told reporters that the Security Council powers all want "a calm and stable Afghanistan where humanitarian relief can be provided without difficulties and without prejudice."
He stated that they want "an Afghanistan where women's and girls' rights are protected, an Afghanistan that is not a haven for terrorists, and an Afghanistan with an inclusive government that represents all sectors of the people."
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken met in person with the foreign ministers of the United Kingdom, France, and Russia, while their Chinese counterpart Wang Yi joined them digitally for the hour-long meeting
The meeting convened by British Foreign Secretary Liz Truss was described by a US official as "productive" and with "a lot of convergence," including expectations that the Taliban will respect women's and girls' rights.
"I don't think anyone, even the Chinese, is happy with the composition of this temporary administration," the official added.
Zhang Jun, China's ambassador to the United Nations, told AFP before the meeting that the five nations all desired an inclusive government.
He stated, "Unity is everywhere."
China has consistently reprimanded the United States for sequestering billions of dollars in Afghan assets. On the other hand, Beijing does not want the neighboring country to become a safe haven for international radicals.
Afghanistan was also the subject of virtual discussions between the Group of 20 major economies, which included many additional countries, notably Qatar, which serves as the Taliban's diplomatic center.
In a speech to the G20, German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas expressed increased worry about the Taliban caretaker government, which has no non-Taliban members and no women but has ministered on the UN's terrorism blacklist.
"The Taliban's declaration of a non-inclusive government was a tactical error since it makes it more difficult for us to deal with them," Maas added.
"It's critical that kids hear this message from all of us. Also, when it comes to the fundamental political parameters and standards for any future engagement with them, we should speak with one voice."
The Taliban have requested to speak at the United Nations General Assembly, but the United States, which is a member of the credentialing committee, has said that no decision would be made until after the summit ends early next week.
0 Comments