G-7 call for political settlement in Afghanistan

KABUL (Pajhwok): A sustainable and inclusive political settlement is the only way to achieve a just and durable peace that benefits all Afghans, say G-7 foreign and development ministers “We support the continuation of the peace negotiations in Doha and efforts to convene a high-level conference on Afghanistan in Istanbul,” the minister said.

Ahead of their talks in London, the ministers said in a communiqué, they were meeting at a critical juncture for their people, planet, security and future prosperity. “It is important that countries in the region continue to work together to support efforts for peace,” they said, urging all Afghan parties to renew their full engagement with the peace process.

The communiqué stressed the meaningful participation and inclusion of women, young people and minority groups in all discussions on Afghanistan’s future. “We also endorse mechanisms that allow the negotiating parties to include the diverse perspectives of Afghan civil society.

“We will work to protect the rights that all Afghans, including women, young people and minority groups have fought for and come to enjoy and value,” the ministers promised. The G-7 ministers also supported the desire of Afghans to live in peace, building on the positive economic, social and political achievements of the last two decades.

G7 members committed to using international development assistance, advocacy and diplomacy to back aspirations of the Afghans. Current and future support to the Afghan government relied on its adherence to the principles set out in the Afghanistan Partnership Framework and progress towards the outcomes in the Afghanistan National Peace and Development Framework II, as decided upon at the November 2020 Geneva donors’ conference.

“We call for an immediate end to attacks on civilians, including the targeted campaign of killings against women, journalists, and human rights activists, for which the Taliban are primarily responsible.” The ministers called for a significant reduction in violence as a pathway to a comprehensive ceasefire, asking all parties to allow safe, unhindered humanitarian access to those in need.