Calls for end to terrorist safe havens ‘operating across the Durand Line’India has told the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) that it calls for an “immediate comprehensive ceasefire” in Afghanistan, while welcoming all opportunities to bring peace to the country. Current and incoming members of the UNSC spoke on how the Council could support the Afghan peace process. India has been concerned that the Afghan peace process and premature withdrawal of NATO/ U.S. coalition forces could leave opportunities for terrorist networks that could target both Afghanistan and India. Fourth, the transit rights of Afghanistan should not be used by countries “to extract [a] political price from Afghanistan,” Mr Tirumurti said — a reference to Pakistan obstructing the flow of persons and materials outside of Afghanistan, impacting, for instance, India-Afghanistan trade. Mr. Tirumurti assured Afghanistan of India’s support in its quest for peace during India’s UNSC term.

Source: The Hindu November 20, 2020 19:34 UTC