09 December 1998
(US calls on Afghan factions to stop supporting terrorism) (660) United Nations -- Saying that Afghanistan-based terrorism has become a plague, US Ambassador Nancy Soderberg December 8 called on all Afghan factions to ensure that all indicted terrorists on their soil are brought to justice. Speaking during a Security Council meeting on the deteriorating situation in Afghanistan, Soderberg said that "the international community's resolve to fight terrorism is clear. Criminal acts of terrorism can never be justified -- terrorists must not receive sanctuary anywhere, anytime." The council unanimously adopted a resolution demanding that the Taliban stop providing sanctuary and training for international terrorists and their organizations and demanding that all factions cooperate with efforts to bring indicted terrorists to justice. The council also encouraged the secretary general to send a mission to Afghanistan to investigate reports of grave breaches of international humanitarian law, particularly mass killings and the destruction of religious sites, and expressed deep concern over the rapidly deteriorating humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan. Following is the text of the ambassador's remarks: (Begin text) Statement by Ambassador Nancy Soderberg, Alternate United States Representative for Special Political Affairs, in Explanation of Vote on Afghanistan, in the Security Council, December 8, 1998 Thank you, Mr. President. Adopting this resolution today, the Security Council has taken a clear stand against terrorism and those who support it by providing safehaven to terrorists. The international community's resolve to fight terrorism is clear. Criminal acts of terrorism can never be justified -- terrorists must not receive sanctuary anywhere, anytime. We call on all Afghan factions, particularly the Taliban, to abide by this and earlier resolutions and ensure that all indicted terrorists on their soil are brought to justice. Afghanistan-based terrorism has become a plague. Terrorists trained or based in Afghanistan have been responsible for incidents in all corners of the globe. This was brought home to us tragically by the bombing of our embassies in Nairobi and Dar es Salaam last August. We have publicly condemned the killing of the Iranian diplomatic staff at the Consulate-General in Mazar-I-Sharif. This criminal act must be investigated and the perpetrators punished. We fully support an international investigation into these deaths and once again remind all Afghan factions~ of the special protected status of diplomats under international law. We join in the resolution's demand that the Taliban immediately inform the UN of the results of their investigation into the deaths of UN workers in Kabul and Jalalabad. Concerns about the safety of international and humanitarian personnel hamstring programs that seek to relieve the suffering of the Afghan people and rebuild the country. The Taliban must implement the necessary safeguards for the return of UN and other international personnel. We are pleased that this resolution supports human rights initiatives in Afghanistan, including an investigation into reports of mass killings and the stationing of human rights monitors throughout the country. Respect for human rights and international humanitarian law is at the foundation of a long-term solution to the conflict. The Taliban in particular must respect the rights of the Afghan people, especially women and girls, as well as minorities. We are particularly gratified that this resolution recognizes and encourages the work of the group of Six Plus Two. We believe the "Points of Common Understanding" adopted at the group's first ministerial-level meeting on September 21 constitute a solid basis for resolving the conflict in Afghanistan. The points set clear markers as to what the international community desires from both the Afghan factions and Afghanistan's neighbors. Finally, the United States would once again like to express its deep appreciation to Special Representative Lakhdar Brahimi. Ambassador Brahimi has truly made an outstanding effort to bring peace to Afghanistan. His recent visit significantly reduced regional tensions, advanced the cause of human rights, and laid the groundwork for the full resumption of UN aid activities in Afghanistan. Thank you, Mr. President. (End text)