New Delhi: Moscow hosted a regular meeting of the extended "Troika" comprising representatives of Russia, China, the USA and Pakistan on Thursday, which focused on making progress in the intra-Afghan process to reach a negotiated settlement, permanent and comprehensive ceasefire, a statement from Russia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said.
The event was attended by representatives of the Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, Afghanistan’s High Council for National Reconciliation, prominent Afghan political figures, and representatives of the Taliban movement, as well as Qatar and Turkey as guests of honour.
In the spirit of the discussions, as well as provisions of joint statements on the outcomes of previous 'Troika' meetings held on 22 March, 25 April, 11 July and 25 October 2019, online conferences held on June 3 and 30 November 2020, the four states participating in the extended 'Troika' have agreed on various points.
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The four nations acknowledged the widespread and sincere demand of the Afghan people for long-lasting peace, an end to the war and confirmed that sustainable peace can only be achieved through a negotiated political settlement.
They called on all parties to the conflict in Afghanistan to reduce the level of violence in the country and on the Taliban not to pursue a Spring offensive, to avoid further casualties and to create an environment conducive to reach a negotiated political settlement, the statement from MoFA Russia added.
As stated in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) resolution 2513 (2020), the countries denied to support the restoration of the Islamic Emirate and called on the Government of the Islamic Republic and the High Council for National Reconciliation to engage openly with their Taliban counterparts regarding a negotiated settlement.
According to the statement, the countries urged the participants in the intra-Afghan negotiations to engage immediately in discussions on fundamental issues to resolve the conflict, including the foundations of the future peaceful and stable Afghan state, the content of a political roadmap leading to an inclusive government, and the modalities of a permanent and comprehensive ceasefire.
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"At this pivotal moment, our four states call on the parties to negotiate and conclude a peace agreement that will bring an end to over four decades of war in Afghanistan", it added.
Pertinently, the member nations advocate a durable and just political resolution that will result in the formation of an independent, sovereign, unified, peaceful, democratic and self-sufficient Afghanistan, free of terrorism and an illicit drug industry, which contributes to the creation of pull factors for the voluntary, sustainable and expeditious return of Afghan refugees, stability and global security.
We call on all Afghans including the Government of the Islamic Republic and the Taliban to ensure that terrorist groups and individuals do not use Afghan soil to threaten the security of any other country.
The leaders reaffirmed any peace agreement must include protections for the rights of all Afghans, including women, men, children, victims of war, and minorities, and should respond to the strong desire of all Afghans for economic, social and political development including the rule of law.
"We encourage all concerned countries to support the Afghan people and contribute to lasting peace in the interest of all. We reaffirm our commitment to mobilize international political and economic support for a post-political settlement in Afghanistan", the statement added.
China, the US, Pakistan and Russia appreciated the long-standing support of the State of Qatar to facilitate the peace process and supported the continuation of discussions between the parties’ negotiating teams in Doha, which began in September 2020 and which have resulted in meaningful progress towards a political settlement.
They also recognised the international efforts that are underway to facilitate and support a negotiated settlement as soon as possible.
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