The United Nations chief has urged the Taliban to immediately halt its offensive across Afghanistan and negotiate “in good faith” to avert a prolonged civil war. In his first and strongest appeal to the militant group, Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said on Friday he was “deeply disturbed by early indications that the Taliban are imposing severe restrictions in the areas under their control, particularly targeting women and journalists.”
Afghanistan is spinning out of control. Every day, the conflict is taking a bigger toll on civilians, especially women & children. I remind all parties of their obligation to protect civilians & I call on the Taliban to immediately end the offensive & return to the peace table.
He said: “It is particularly horrifying and heartbreaking to see reports of the hard-won rights of Afghan girls and women being ripped away from them.”
“This is the moment to halt the offensive,” Guterres said. “This is the moment to start serious negotiation. This is the moment to avoid a prolonged civil war or the isolation of Afghanistan.”
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