SECURITY COUNCIL DEMANDS ALL PARTIES IN AFGHANISTAN RESPECT SAFETY OF UNITED NATIONS, INTERNATIONAL PERSONNEL

28 September 1996

Press Release
SC/6271

SECURITY COUNCIL DEMANDS ALL PARTIES IN AFGHANISTAN RESPECT SAFETY OF UNITED NATIONS, INTERNATIONAL PERSONNEL

19960928 Presidential Statement Expresses Concern at Violation Of United Nations Premises, Execution of Former President

Concerned at the violation of the United Nations premises in Kabul and expressing dismay at the brutal execution by the Taliban of former Afghan President Najibullah and others who had taken refuge there, the Security Council this evening demanded that all parties fulfil their obligations and commitments on the safety of United Nations and other international personnel in Afghanistan.

Through a statement read out by its President, Alfredo Lopes Cabral (Guinea-Bissau), the Council called for the immediate cessation of all armed hostilities and urgently called on the leaders of the Afghan parties to renounce the use of force, to put aside their differences and to engage in a political dialogue aimed at achieving national reconciliation.

Reaffirming its commitment to Afghanistan's sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity and national unity, the Council called on all States to refrain from interfering in its internal affairs. It called on all Afghans to cooperate fully with the United Nations and associated bodies, as well as with other humanitarian organizations and agencies, in their efforts to respond to the humanitarian needs of the Afghan people.

The Council reaffirmed its full support for United Nations efforts in Afghanistan, in particular those of its Special Mission. It called on all parties to cooperate with the Mission, which would act as a key and impartial facilitator to bring about a peaceful solution to the conflict as soon as possible.

The text of the presidential statement, to be issued as document S/PRST/1996/40, reads as follows:

"The Security Council reiterates its grave concern about the military confrontation in Afghanistan. The Security Council is also concerned at the

Security Council - 2 - Press Release SC/6271 3699th Meeting (PM) 28 September 1996

violation of the United Nations premises in Kabul and expresses its dismay at the brutal execution by the Taliban of the former President of Afghanistan, Najibullah, and others who had taken refuge in these premises.

"The Security Council demands that all parties fulfil their obligations and commitments regarding the safety of the United Nations personnel and other international personnel in Afghanistan. It calls upon all Afghans to cooperate fully with the United Nations and associated bodies as well as with other humanitarian organizations and agencies in their efforts to respond to the humanitarian needs of the people of Afghanistan.

"The Security Council reaffirms its commitment to the sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity and national unity of Afghanistan. It calls for the immediate cessation of all armed hostilities and urgently calls upon the leaders of the Afghan parties to renounce the use of force, to put aside their differences and to engage in a political dialogue aimed at achieving national reconciliation. The Council also calls upon all States to refrain from interfering in the internal affairs of Afghanistan.

"The Security Council reaffirms its full support for the efforts of the United Nations in Afghanistan, in particular the activities of the United Nations Special Mission. It calls upon all parties to cooperate with the Special Mission which will act as a key and impartial facilitator in order to bring about a peaceful solution to the conflict as soon as possible. The Council calls upon all States to take all steps necessary to promote peace in Afghanistan and to work together with the United Nations to this end.

"The Security Council will continue to follow with close attention developments in Afghanistan."

The meeting, which began at 6:34 p.m., was adjourned at 6:38 p.m.

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