KABUL (SW) – The UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) has welcomed return of negotiators to Doha for intra-Afghan peace talks.
It said in a statement that these negotiations are critical in helping to bring about an end to fighting and creating a lasting peace. “The negotiators are confronted with some daunting challenges and much work remains. But the two teams cooperated well in the historic first round of talks that commenced in September, making incremental but genuine progress”, it said.
“I urge both sides to use this opportunity to move ahead to create the conditions for a reduction in violence that will end further loss of Afghan lives and reach a political settlement that is acceptable to all segments of Afghan society,” said Deborah Lyons, the Secretary-General’s Special Representative for Afghanistan.
She said a cessation in fighting would create a better atmosphere for talks, provide hope to the people, and allow humanitarian actors to deliver much-needed winter assistance to Afghans across the whole country.
The UN said it will remain in close contact with both parties and stands ready to assist as necessary.
The NATO Senior Civilian Representative in Afghanistan, Ambassador Stefano Pontecorvo has also hailed the resumption of peace talks. “Wishing the Peace Negotiating Team of the Islamic Republic of #Afghanistan the very best for the second round of #Afghanistan Peace Negotiations in Doha. #NATO supports a political settlement that preserves the gains made since 2001 for the benefit of all Afghans”, he tweeted.
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