New York, 1 October 1997 (RFE/RL) - The United Nations Security Council has called on all countries to avoid actions that would interfere with efforts to reach a peace settlement in Afghanistan.
The Security Council members yesterday discussed the situation there and heard a report by U.N. special envoy Lakhdar Brahimi on his recent visit to the region.
He told the Council that resolving the conflict is the responsibility of the Afghans, but that it is being fueled from the outside. He did not elaborate.
The Security Council stressed in a statement the need for regional states to play an active role in achieving peace in Afghanistan. It called for a cease fire and for steps by all parties to guarantee safety of all international personnel working in Afghanistan.
The Council took note of the detention in Afghanistan of European Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs Emma Bonino. Council members reaffirmed their support for the rights of women and respect for international humanitarian law.
Today, the United Nations is sponsoring a special conference of concerned countries to reassess the situation in Afghanistan.