Implementing a reduction of violence is also important in creating an environment which enables constructive intra-Afghan talks on peace to take place, the United Nations envoy said on Thursday.
In a statement, Tadamichi Yamamoto, who is also the head of United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan, urged all stakeholders to seek ways to reduce levels of violence, especially the violence which harms civilians, on the way to a lasting political settlement and a permanent ceasefire.
He noted that the war in Afghanistan continues to take an appalling toll on civilians. Civilian casualties recently surpassed 100,000 in the past 10 years alone, he said.
He said that whatever the outcome of the presidential election may be, peace will be the issue of paramount importance to the new administration.
The United Nations maintains that intra-Afghan talks which include women and youth are essential for an Afghan-owned peace process and are fundamental to all ongoing peace efforts, Yamamoto said.
“The United Nations urges those participating in all peace efforts to consider the millions of ordinary Afghans, especially the victims of the conflict, who want a chance to live in peace so they can rebuild their lives in a country that is stable, just and economically prosperous, and where their human rights are protected,” he said.
US resumed peace talks with the Taliban earlier this month. Those talks had been halted by President Donald Trump in September due to a deadly attack in Kabul.
Ceasefire has been focused in recent talks and Taliban negotiators are consulting with their leadership about it.
