Afghanistan slams UN special envoy resolution as 'unnecessary'

NEW DELHI, Dec 31 (Bernama) -- The Afghan government has hit out at the United Nations Security Council resolution requesting the world body's secretary general to appoint a special envoy for Afghanistan.

The appointment of an additional special envoy in the presence of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) is unnecessary as Afghanistan is not a conflict zone.

Furthermore it is ruled by a central government that is able to secure its national interests, fulfill its obligations and manage all affairs through bilateral and multilateral mechanisms, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement on Saturday.

UN special envoys "throughout contemporary history of Afghanistan and the world have not only failed to resolve any conflicts, but have complicated situations further via imposition of external solutions," it added.

The 15-member Security Council adopted the resolution on Dec 29 by a vote of 13 in favour, with China and Russia abstaining.

The UN through the special envoy seeks to expand its engagement with the authorities in Kabul on a range of policy issues, including women's education and Afghanistan's full integration into the international system.

"While welcoming all attempts of a more robust and enhanced engagement with Afghanistan by the UN, the approach of the government of Afghanistan will ultimately be guided by the unaltered religious beliefs, cultural values and national interests of the people of Afghanistan," the foreign ministry said.

-- BERNAMA