UN hails 7-day RIV, urges intra-Afghan talks

KABUL (Agencies): The UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) in a statement welcomed the successful conclusion of a seven-day period of Reduction in Violence (RIV), expressing hope that it will lead to the start of intra-Afghan negotiations.

“All stakeholders must now look to make genuine and concrete steps toward ending the war,” said Tadamichi Yamamoto, the Secretary General’s Special Representative for Afghanistan and head of UNAMA.

The statement also reads: “Intra-Afghan negotiations are central to the peace efforts. The United Nations welcomes the commitment expressed by the parties to intra-Afghan negotiations; and urges them to move ahead expeditiously with their preparations to start the negotiations, including through forming a truly representative negotiation team.”

The statement noted that the United Nations remains ready to support an inclusive Afghan-led process that includes women, minorities and youth; upholds the human rights of all citizens; and leads to a sustainable peace in Afghanistan.

“The United Nations stresses the importance of continuing to reduce violence, especially violence that harms civilians, and urges all parties, in the period ahead, to redouble efforts to reduce violence on the way to a permanent ceasefire and a lasting political settlement,” the statement concluded.