UNSG Special Representative Announces Readiness For 3rd Doha Meeting

Roza Otunbayeva, the UN Secretary-General's Special Representative for Afghanistan, has announced preparations for the third Doha meeting on Afghanistan.

Otunbayeva expressed hope for the participation of the Taliban delegation and other relevant groups in the upcoming meeting, though she did not provide specific details regarding its date.

During a report to the UN Security Council on Wednesday, she emphasised on the need for the third Doha summit to have a practical agenda, with discussions aimed at achieving tangible outcomes aligned with the organisation’s objectives.

The third meeting is anticipated to differ from the previous two Doha meetings, with the discussions taking place at a different level and potentially without the presence of the UN Secretary-General, unlike the earlier gatherings.

The second Doha meeting was held on February 18 and 19 in the presence of UN Secretary General, Antonio Guterres and special representatives of 25 countries and international organisations for Afghanistan.

This meeting ended without a clear result due to the refusal of the Taliban to participate in it and also because the conditions of this group were not accepted.

Source of Instability In The Region And World

Otunbayeva called Afghanistan a challenge to the international community and a source of instability during the meeting of the Security Council on Wednesday and added that terrorism has been exported from the country to other parts of the world.

She also said that in the region and beyond, there are concerns about the presence of terrorist groups in Afghanistan.

She emphasised that the concerns extend beyond the presence of ISIS in Afghanistan. According to Otunbayeva, the presence of Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) in Afghanistan is a significant worry for Pakistan, as the country has experienced terrorist acts in recent months.

During the meeting, the UNSG Special Representative stated that the organisation will maintain its engagement with the Taliban. She highlighted ongoing consultations with Afghans on human rights issues and the inclusion of people's representatives in the political decision-making process.

Otunbayeva also discussed international aid, noting that over the last three years, approximately eight billion dollars have been provided to the people of Afghanistan. She emphasised that the aid from the international community has played a crucial role in promoting economic stability and supporting the private sector in Afghanistan.

She appealed to the international community and donors to persist in their assistance to Afghanistan.