KABUL (Tolo News): No representative from Afghanistan will address the annual high-level UN General Assembly in New York after the ambassador for the government ousted by the Taliban – who was due to speak – withdrew his name.
The move comes amid competing claims for Afghanistan’s UN seat in New York after the Taliban seized power last month. Taliban Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi last week asked to address the gathering of world leaders at the United Nations and nominated the Islamist group’s Doha-based spokesman Suhail Shaheen as Afghanistan’s UN ambassador.
Ghulam Isaczai is the current UN ambassador, who represents Afghanistan’s government ousted by the Taliban, and has also asked to renew his accreditation. He was scheduled to address the final day of the high-level UN gathering, but withdrew, diplomats said. Isaczai did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Rival claims have also been made for Myanmar’s UN seat after a military coup in February ousted the elected government. No representative from Myanmar will address the high-level General Assembly meeting. read more UN accreditation issues are dealt with by a nine-member committee, whose members include the United States, China and Russia. It traditionally meets in October or November. Until a decision is made by the credentials committee on both Afghanistan and Myanmar, Isaczai and Myanmar’s UN envoy representing the ousted government, Kyaw Moe Tun, will remain in the seats, according to the General Assembly rules.
Unlicensed vehicles banned
JALALABAD (Pajhwok): Illegal and undocumented vehicles and the movement of irresponsible gunmen at night have been banned due to recent surge in insecurity in eastern Nangarhar province. The decision was made by local officials following a series of bombing and targeted killings in the past week, and anyone who violated the decision would face serious legal action.
The Nangarhar provincial administration has said it would no longer allow any illegal vehicle to enter the city and irresponsible individuals. In a statement, Nangarhar media office said unlicensed rickshaws, cars and motorbikes had been banned.
According to the source, only responsible security personnel have been allowed to operate in the city at night and the Taliban must refrain from using mobile phones while on duty.
Cargo trucks were also not allowed to enter the city and they must use the ring road as in the past and if they do not comply with the above provision, they would face legal action, it added. Residents of Jalalabad are pleased with the decision and call for more steps to prevent further incidents.