WASHINGTON - As the fighting season comes to an end with the onset of winter, the Taliban militiamen return to the warmth of madrasas in Pakistan so that they can prepare for the next fighting season, Afghanistan’s top diplomat to the UN Security Council said Monday.
“Winter is about to start in Afghanistan. In the calendar of the Taliban and that of their supporters in our neighborhood, this usually marks the "official" end of their so-called "fighting season." Most Taliban militiamen return to the warmth of madrasas in Pakistan for an R&R (rest and recuperation) and to refuel for the next "fighting season”. ,” the Afghan Ambassador to the UN, Mahmoud Saikal, told members of the Security Council.
Participating during an open debate on Afghanistan, Saikal said that often around this time of the year, the regional orchestrator of violence in “our country reverts” to the notion of peace talks.
“Thus, their seasonality and tactical use of war and peace continues, leaving little room for genuine peace efforts. Nevertheless, we once again urge all Afghan Taliban groups and their foreign supporters to enter into genuine peace talks with the Government of Afghanistan. In this endeavor we recognize the importance of the role of neighboring countries, in particular Pakistan, and other regional partners,” Saikal said.
The Ambassador said Afghanistan has made some progress towards the implementation of the peace agreement signed with Hizb-i-lslami (Hekmatyar) on 29 September.
“The cessation of violence with former belligerent members of the group has held for nearly three months. Their disarmament and reintegration require careful planning. The agreement presents an opportunity to put the future together, not justify the past. Making the agreement work necessitates collective and careful efforts from all stakeholders, across domestic and international spectrums,” he said.
“Those who want to take advantage of this historic opportunity should refrain from all derogatory, divisive and xenophobic activities. The Government pardon is not a justification of their past violent activities and should neither be misused nor abused,” he added.
“It is noteworthy; the people of Afghanistan have the full right to seek justice, in accordance with their fundamental rights. We expect the implementation of the agreement to improve security, strengthen political stability and national unity of the Afghan people and set a good precedence in the peace process,” Saikal said. (Pajhwok)