Jakarta (ANTARA) - Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi has sought prompt action from the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) to end violence in Afghanistan.
"We must act immediately and can no longer await. Violence in Afghanistan must be stopped since it will only erode peace efforts and trust among the people of Afghanistan," the minister noted in a press statement of the Foreign Ministry released on Saturday.
The minister made the statement in response to continued violence in the country that has victimized over six thousand people this year
Marsudi delivered the statement while attending the UNSC Arria Formula Meeting on Peace Process in Afghanistan held virtually via videoconferencing from Jakarta on Friday (Nov 20, 2020)
The Estonian foreign minister led the meeting that also brought together the president and foreign minister of Afghanistan as well as the foreign ministers of Qatar, Finland, Norway, and Germany.
Marsudi highlighted the importance of the peace process in Afghanistan being conducted and led by the Afghan people themselves and giving due priority to the Afghan community as the central element.
To this end, the minister highlighted the need to take three crucial steps immediately.
Marsudi elucidated that the first step encompassed putting an end to the violence soon since it can threaten the peace process and erode trust among the people of Afghanistan.
Second, the international community should intensify their contributions to the peace process in Afghanistan. More international assistance is deemed necessary to create a more conducive situation on the field, boost the government's capacity, and drive the economy of the Afghan people, she remarked.
Third, UN institutions should bolster synergy to better support the peace process in Afghanistan, she remarked.
"The synergy is important not only to create a more conducive situation on the field but also to protect vulnerable groups and empower women. All community members must be involved in the reconciliation process and the state’s development," she stated.
Marsudi further reiterated Indonesia's commitment to support Afghanistan achieve peace highly sought after by the Afghan community.
The UNSC plays a crucial role in encouraging ceasefire, implementing sanctions, and supporting counterterrorism efforts and regional connectivity.
The countries participating in the meeting voiced support for an inclusive peace process in Afghanistan and denounced sustained violence in the country.
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