Afghanistan’s envoy to the United Nations and charge d’affaires said on Tuesday that Afghanistan would vote against Russia’s attack on Ukraine in the organization.
Nasir Ahmad Faiq told VOA that on behalf of Afghanistan and in accordance with the principles of international relations, he would oppose Russia’s attack on Ukraine.
Mr Faiq said: “Russia’s attack on Ukraine is clearly a violation of international law and the United Nations Charter, which respects the sovereignty and territorial integrity of countries, and the use of force and threats against their sovereignty and political independence.” The emphasis is on avoiding and resolving disputes between countries peacefully.”
Mr Faiq added: “Afghanistan, which has been the victim of wars and aggression by foreign powers and its people have always been a supporter of the United Nations Charter and respects the need for a negotiated solution. This position is really in support of the right of sovereignty and territorial integrity of small and large countries and against military aggression.”
Earlier, the Taliban’s foreign ministry issued a statement on February 25 calling on Ukraine and Russia to exercise restraint but insisting they would choose neutrality in the war between Moscow and Kiev.
A statement from the Taliban’s foreign ministry said, “The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, in pursuit of a neutral foreign policy, calls on all parties to the conflict to resolve the current crisis in Ukraine through dialogue and peaceful means.”
After the Taliban came to power in August 2021, the group introduced Sohail Shaheen, a member of its Qatar office, as Afghanistan’s representative to the United Nations, but the Taliban’s request was rejected by the United Nations. Nasir Ahmad Fayek is currently representing Afghanistan.
The resolution condemning Russia to Ukraine is being led by European countries in coordination with Ukraine.
UN General Assembly resolutions cannot be implemented without Security Council approval, but strong support for them reflects Russia’s international isolation.
Russia vetoed the resolution at the UN Security Council last week, with 100 of the 193 countries in the UN backing the resolution.
Moscow cannot rely on Venezuela’s support at the summit because the South American country’s right to vote has been suspended for several years due to a debt of more than 40 million to the United Nations.
The resolution, obtained by Agence France-Presse, condemned Russia’s decision to provide nuclear weapons.
The resolution called for the immediate withdrawal of Russian troops from Ukraine and stressed Ukraine’s sovereignty.
Two-thirds of the UN member states must support the plan.
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