Issuing a statement on the 20th Anniversary of 9/11, the Ministry of Foreign Affair of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan condemned the terror attacks and reaffirmed its commitment to remain united against those who seek to undermine all that the civilized world stands for.
Calling the capture of power by the Taliban “illegal”, the MFA said that the “formation of their so-called caretaker government” and their brutal suppression of political opposition and action against freedom of speech do not inspire confidence that the Taliban will deliver on the basic expectations of the Afghan people and the international community.
Expressing concern over the recent developments in Afghanistan, the MFA said it requires serious international attention to save and preserve a democratic and pluralistic Afghanistan in which the rights and freedoms of all citizens, especially women, are upheld and respected.
“Upholding human rights, especially the rights of women, children and minorities, political inclusivity and counter-terrorism are the key national and international expectations on which the Taliban should be held accountable both nationally and internationally,” it said
It further said that the Taliban’s failure to meet these foundational principles will risk prolongation of the conflict and pose serious threats to regional and international security and stability.
The MFA called upon the international community to not forget Afghanistan and help ensure that the will of the nation is upheld.
“At this most difficult juncture, a comprehensive political settlement, leading to the formation of a broad-based and fully inclusive government that protects and advances the rights of all Afghans and which will uphold the will of the nation, including the right to self-determination, is the only viable pathway forward,” it added.
It also conveyed the deepest gratitude to all the international friends and partners who served and sacrificed for the cause of peace, democracy and pluralism in Afghanistan.
Together, we can still save and preserve these noble values for which thousands of precious lives were sacrificed, it said.
