Deeply deploring the continuing armed conflict in Afghanistan, the Security Council this afternoon called on the parties involved to end the hostilities forthwith and not to obstruct the delivery of humanitarian aid and other needed supplies to the innocent civilians of Kabul.

Through a statement read by its President, Madeleine Korbel Albright (United States), the Council commended the work of the humanitarian agencies, including the airlift of food supplies from Peshawar to Kabul, and urged the international community to continue its support for those "life-saving efforts".

Expressing deep concern that the conflict provides fertile ground for terrorism, arms transfers and drug trafficking, "which destabilize the whole region and beyond", the Council called on the leaders of the Afghan parties to put aside their differences and halt such activities.

It called on all States to refrain from interfering in the country's internal affairs and to prevent the flow of weapons and supplies that can fuel the fighting. It also urged the captors of the members of the crew of a Russian aircraft in Kandahar to release them immediately and without any precondition.

The Council called on all Afghans to cooperate fully with the efforts of the United Nations Special Mission in Afghanistan to bring about a peaceful solution through establishment of a fully representative, broad-based council acceptable to all Afghans. It called on all States in a position to do so to promote peace and stability, in particular by urging the parties to cooperate fully with the Mission.

The Council reaffirmed its commitment to Afghanistan's full sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity and national unity, as its readiness to assist the efforts of the Afghan people to restore peace and normalcy to the country. It encouraged all States, as well as the Organization of the Islamic Conference, the Non-Aligned Movement and others, to support the efforts of the Special Mission to that end.

In deploring the continuing hostilities, the Council stated that they "have brought death and destruction to the people and property of the country and threatened the peace and security of the region". It expressed particular concern about the recent intensification of shelling and air attacks in and around Kabul and the blockade of the city, which has prevented the delivery of foodstuffs, fuel and other humanitarian supplies to the people.

The meeting, which was called to order at 4:25 p.m., was adjourned at 4:30 p.m

.For further details please see source:
MEETINGS COVERAGE

For further details please see official record:
S/PV.3631

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