Afghanistan to Security Council: terrorist sanctuaries across the border must be eliminated

WASHINGTON (PAN told the UN Security Council on Wednesday that it would be difficult to achieve peace inside the country unless terrorist safe havens across the border are eliminated.

Addressing a special session of the Security Council on Afghanistan, the Afghan Ambassador to the UN, Zahir Tanin, also brought to the attention of this powerful 15-member body the cross-border shelling from Pakistan that has killed dozens of Afghans in recent weeks.

“The recent armed violations of Afghanistan’s eastern border, through hundreds of shelling and artillery fire in Kunar and Nangarhar provinces, killing dozens of people, including women and children, have caused serious alarm and concern for the people and government of Afghanistan and run the risk of undermining the spirit of cooperation between Afghanistan and Pakistan,” Tanin said.

“We urge immediate cessation of such attacks,” he said in his address to the UN Security Council.

Tanin said the recent display of a “promo-psychodrama” of so-called sophisticated attacks, such as the one carried out last week in Kabul’s Intercontinental Hotel or the recent slaughter of a dozen civilians in a hospital in Logar province, is a conspicuously well-orchestrated attempt by the enemies of Afghanistan, designed to incite fear among people, to hinder the international support for Afghanistan, and to convince a war-weary audience in some countries that the war is unwinnable.

Moreover, the recent campaign seeks to sabotage the future of peace talks and undermine the prospect of reconciliation, he said. “Those who provide terrorists and extremists with money, arms and strategic guidance are equally responsible for the continued killing and brutal butchery of innocent civilians in Afghanistan,” Tanin said.

“Therefore, it is imperative to underline the necessity of ending the sanctuaries that continue to produce and prepare the ruthless killers and agents of unending destruction of Afghanistan,” he said.

The Afghan Ambassador said acts of terror will not shake the determination for securing peace and stability in Afghanistan.

“We are pleased to see that an environment conducive for constructive outreach and dialogue with members of the armed opposition is now in place.  The reconciliation process will be pursued as a matter of priority, consistent with the understanding that there is no purely military solution, and that transition requires an inclusive settlement.  Reconciliation is aimed at bringing peace, prosperity, and unity to the country,” he said.

“It is not about ceding any territorial control or accommodating any representation outside of the authority of the Afghan Government. The High Peace Council, including women, are involved,” Tanin said.

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