Jaishankar for ‘double peace’, UN involvement in Afghanistan

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, March 30

India has called upon the world community to achieve “double peace” — peace within and around Afghanistan and under a regional process to be convened by the UN.

Speaking at a regional ministerial conference called the Heart of Asia-Istanbul Process (HoA-IP) held in Tajikistan, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar steered clear of the debate over whether there should be an interim government in Kabul or wait for the elections.

India welcomed any move towards a genuine political settlement and a comprehensive and permanent ceasefire in Afghanistan, he said, hoping that UN stewardship would help take into account all relevant UN resolutions and improve the odds for a lasting outcome.

UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres has announced the appointment of Jean Arnault as his personal representative to assist with the Afghan peace negotiations.

The “double peace” concept requires the harmonising of all interests. “India, on its part, has been supportive of all efforts being made to accelerate dialogue between Kabul and the Taliban,” said Jaishankar.

The HoA-IP’s ninth ministerial is being attended by 15 direct participants, including India, 17 observer countries and 12 supporting regional and international organisations.

It takes place before a May 1 deadline for the withdrawal of foreign troops, which US President Joe Biden says is tough to meet.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi warned against double standards in counter-terrorism and wanted the complete elimination of all terror groups such as Al-Qaida, ISIS and the ETIM. Along with Iranian FM Javad Zarif, he supported the orderly withdrawal of foreign troops, so as to prevent the terrorist forces from ramping up and creating trouble.