MAIMANA - During his trip to northwestern Faryab province on Tuesday, Tadamichi Yamamoto said tensions among political groups contributed to the deteriorating security situation in Afghanistan.
He spoke with representative of political parties, religious scholars, civil society activists, jihadi commanders, tribal elders, women and youths on security, political and economic issues, as well as the upcoming elections.
He said tensions among different political groups had caused the security environment in Afghanistan to worsen, a serious problem that could not be resolved in a short time.
Yamamoto advised the government not to rely only on military action against militants. Instead it should also seek public support in the area in resolving public problems and improving the security situation, he suggested.
The top UN diplomat supported the peace process and called for women’s participation. He said the UN also backed a transparent, inclusive and fair elections process. Hemmed in by huge challenges, the government should be supported by all, he said.
Faryab political parties’ representatives, Islamic scholars, civil society activists, tribal elders, women and youths asked Yamamoto to pay attention for improving their security situation, permanent peace, economic situation and education.
Gen. Mohammad Hamayun Fawzi, governor of Faryab, called security of the province worrying and asked the UN diplomat to focus more on improving security and empowering and equipping the local forces.
He expressed satisfaction with the central government’s implementation of development projects in Faryab. However, he said around 7,000 internally displaced families were in need of help.
The agriculture sector also needs attention and investment, he believed. The construction of the 50-bed maternity centre had been completed but it still lacked personnel, the governor explained.
Afghanistan Civil Society Forum (ACSF) head for Faryab, Syed Zainuddin Abbas, said the security situation had deteriorated in the province and the Maimana-Jawzjan highway was currently under the Taliban control. Except the district centers, all other areas were under militant control, he claimed.
He asked the secretary-general‘s special representative to convince government leaders to fight honestly against terrorism, defeat militants and boost security on the Maimana-Jawzjan highway to instill a sense of safety among passengers.
The trip of Tadamichi Yamamoto to Faryab comes as Afghan forces are busy fighting against militants in several districts of the province. With the Maimana-Mazar-i-Sharif highway also closed for traffic. (Pajhwok)