The Taliban government said on Friday March 18 that it was satisfied with the one-year extension, under a new mandate, of the UN political mission in Afghanistan, pledging to work jointly with it.
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The United Nations Security Council approved Thursday, by 14 votes, including that of China, only Russia abstaining, a resolution detailing the new mandate of the UN political mission in Afghanistan (Manua), for a year.
This text, which does not mention the word "
Taliban
", establishes a formal international presence in Afghanistan, but does not amount to official recognition of the new Afghan power.
"
We see the extension of Manua's mandate as a good thing and want it to work effectively to solve Afghanistan's humanitarian and other problems
," Taliban government spokesman Zabihullah told AFP. Mujahid.
"
We will coordinate and cooperate with her
," he said.
The Taliban took power in Afghanistan in mid-August, but their government is still not recognized by the international community, and the UN has so far refused to accredit their designated representative.
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“Primary objective of peace and stability”
"
This new Manua mandate is crucial not only to respond to the immediate humanitarian and economic crisis, but also to achieve our overarching goal of peace and stability in Afghanistan
," the ambassador told AFP on Thursday after the vote. Norwegian at the UN, Mona Juul, whose country drafted the resolution.
This extends Manua for one year, until March 17, 2023. It begins with a section on humanitarian aid to be provided to the Afghan population against the backdrop of the dramatic economic and social situation, and the security environment which seems to be stabilize.
Manua will have to
coordinate and facilitate, in accordance with international law, including international humanitarian law, and in accordance with humanitarian principles, the provision of humanitarian assistance and financial resources to support humanitarian activities,
” the text reads.
The resolution continues with a political component.
The UN should "
provide outreach and good offices, including to facilitate dialogue among all relevant Afghan political actors and stakeholders
", "
with a focus on promoting inclusive, representative governance
" that will be "
without any discrimination on the basis of sex, religion or ethnic origin
".
The text also insists on a "
full, equal and meaningful participation of women
", while the latter have so far been excluded from the governance provided by the Taliban.