NEW YORK - Mahmoud Saikal said terror and bloodshed are frequent occurrences in Afghanistan, propagated by terrorist safe havens in the region.
Mahmoud Saikal, the permanent representative of Afghanistan to the United Nations, has called for early conclusion of the Comprehensive Convention for Combating International Terrorism.
“Afghanistan calls for the early conclusion of the Comprehensive Convention for Combating International Terrorism, which is of crucial importance to strengthen the international community's counter-terrorism architecture,” Saikal said at the UN General Assembly Debate on Implementation of the UN Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy.
The Afghan envoy said the threats of terrorism and violent extremism constitute one of the most serious threats to a stable and peaceful international order.
“No country is more familiar with the horrors of terrorism than Afghanistan. Our people have been in the forefront of the global fight against terrorism for over two decades,” Saikal added.
He said thousands of Afghans, the national security forces, tribal, religious and political leaders, and other members of society have sacrificed their lives to secure peace in Afghanistan and advance global security.
Saikal stated that Afghanistan has achieved considerable progress in the security, economic, political, and social spheres over the past years. 
According to him, the Afghan forces are fighting a nexus of regional and international terrorist groups including the Taliban, Daesh, al-Qaeda, Lashkar-e-Taiba, Lashkar-e-Jangvi and Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan (IMU).
He said that despite logistical constraints, our security forces have inflicted heavy losses on these groups and kept them from asserting control over any territories.
Saikal said the Taliban attacked a hospital in western Ghor province, killing close to 40 people, mainly civilians – pointed out to insurgent attacks in the country during the last week.
“One day later, they attacked a bus carrying our educated young professionals in Kabul, killing and severely wounding more than 70 people.  And on the 31st of May, the truck-bombing in the heart of the capital killed 150 people and left more than 500 severely wounded,” he stated.
He said terror and bloodshed is a frequent occurrence in Afghanistan, propagated by terrorist safe havens and sanctuaries in the region.
“Our people and our security forces will never allow the enemies of peace in our country to disrupt our journey towards peace, stability and development,” he said. “We will continue our longstanding struggle against this menace with fortitude and commitment. In this context, we look to our international partners, including the UN to continue to stand beside us in our shared endeavor.”
Beyond the battle field, Saikal said Afghanistan is working diligently to promote and advance regional cooperation to defeat terrorism.
He said Afghanistan is committed to fighting terrorism “in all its forms and manifestations”. (Tolonews)