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Apprehension grows over use of Afghanistan for sheltering, training or financing terror acts

Published

3 years ago

November 14, 2021

News Net Global

Apprehension grows over use of Afghanistan for sheltering, training or financing terror acts

By: Michael Mike, Abuja

The eight-nation Regional Security Dialogue on Afghanistan held in New Delhi, India last week has emphasised that Afghanistan’s territory should not be used for “sheltering, training, planning or financing any terrorist act.”

Indian National Security Adviser Ajit Doval chaired the dialogue, which was attended by his counterparts from. Iran, Kazakhstan, Russia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan.

India hosted the dialogue to firm up a common approach for practical cooperation in confronting increasing threats of terrorism, radicalisation and drug trafficking

following the Taliban’s takeover of Kabul.

Afghan representatives were not invited, while Pakistan and China declined to attend the meet, with Pakistan’s National Security Adviser Moeed Yusuf last week calling India a “spoiler” and not a “peacemaker” in Afghanistan.

The Third Regional Security Dialogue on Afghanistan called for support for a peaceful, secure and stable Afghanistan.

It called for collective cooperation against the menace of radicalisation, extremism, separatism and drug trafficking.

It stated that the dialogue on Afghanistan has condemned in strongest terms all terrorist activities and reaffirmed firm commitment to combat terrorism.

At the meeting, humanitarian assistance was sought for Afghanistan in an unimpeded, direct and assured manner.

It should be ensured that fundamental rights of women, children and minority communities in Afghanistan are not violated, the declaration mentioned.

Participants at the Delhi dialogue discussed the evolving situation in Afghanistan, its regional and global ramifications, the declaration informed.

The Delhi declaration also stated that Wednesday’s NSA-level meet talked about the need to form an open and truly inclusive government in Afghanistan.

The eight-nation meet, hosted by India, stressed on the importance of inclusion of all sections in the administrative and political structure imperative for successful reconciliation in Afghanistan, the said declaration also mentioned.

“The recent developments in Afghanistan have important implications not only for the people of that country but also for its neighbours and the region,” NSA Ajit Doval said at the eight-nation dialogue.

Chairing the meet, Doval in his opening remarks said it is time to have close consultations, greater cooperation and coordination among the regional countries on the Afghan situation.

NSA Doval also said, “We all have been keenly watching developments in Afghanistan.” He said developments in Afghanistan have important implications not only for people of that country but also for its neighbours.

Ajit Doval said he is confident “our deliberations will contribute to help Afghan people and enhance our collective security”.

Doval added that this is a time for close consultations, greater cooperation and coordination amongst the nations on Afghanistan.

Nasrullo Rahmatjon Mahmudzoda, Secretary, Security Council of Tajikistan, said: “As we have a long border with Afghanistan, the current situation creates extra risk and possibilities for drug trafficking, terrorism. The situation on Tajik-Afghan borders remains complicated.”

Also Read: NIGERIANS SHOULD SHOW COMPASSION TO WAR VETERANS –…

Mahmudzoda also said, “We, as the neighbouring country are ready to participate in all programs that can help the people of Afghanistan.”

Iran calls for inclusive government

Rear Admiral Ali Shamkhani, Secretary, National Security Council, Iran, said: “There’s a crisis of migration, refugees in Afghanistan and the solution can come with the formation of an inclusive government, and participation of all ethnic groups. Hoping to come up with a mechanism to resolve it.”

Shamkhani said it is unfortunate that today, Afghanistan is involved in terrorism, poverty and misery. He said that “issues of multilateral dimensions, the issues which have already destroyed Afghanistan” would be discussed.

“I am very much proud and happy of the fact that the meetings in Tehran have continued and we are able to consult each other in order to resolve the crisis,” he added.

Afghans should be extended help: Kyrgyzstan official

Marat M Imankulov, Secretary of the Security Council of Kyrgyzstan, said it is a very difficult situation in our region and all over the world. Talking about “terrorist organisations in Afghanistan”, he said, “With joint efforts, help should be extended to the Afghans.”

Multilateral meetings help talk challenges, threat, says Russian NSA

Nikolai Patrushev, Secretary of the Security Council of Russia, at the meeting on Wednesday said: “Multilateral meetings help in discussing issues linked to the development situation in Afghanistan, counter challenges, threats emanating from the country, and establish long lasting peace.”

Joint effort can restore peace: Uzbekistan

“To restore peace in Afghanistan and in the region altogether, we have to find a collective solution. It is possible only through joint efforts,” Victor Makhmudov, Secretary of Security Council of Uzbekistan, said at the dialogue hosted by India.

Turkmenistan speaks on establishment of peace

“This meeting gives us the opportunity to find out a solution to resolve current issues in Afghanistan, and establish peace in the region,” Charymyrat Amanov, Secretary, Security Council of Turkmenistan said at the NSA-level meet on Afghanistan.

Kazakhstan says it’s time to take concrete actions

Stability issue of Afghanistan demands efforts of the whole international community, Karim Massimov, Chairman, Kazakhstan National Security Committee, said, adding that it is highly important to begin taking concrete actions.

Speaking at a regional security dialogue on Afghanistan hosted by India, Massimov said there is a need to increase humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan.

“We are concerned about the prevailing situation in Afghanistan. The social and economic situation of Afghans is deteriorating and the country is facing a humanitarian crisis; necessary to increase humanitarian assistance,” he said.

“With the Taliban movement coming into power the situation inside the country remains complicated. There are many obstacles to forming an effective government. The terrorist organisations are intensifying activities,” he noted.

PM Modi meets NSAs

Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi met the officials who attended the NSA-level meet in Delhi.

The participants of the meeting thanked India for holding the Third Regional Security Dialogue on Afghanistan in New Delhi and agreed to hold the next round in 2022.

Apprehension grows over use of Afghanistan for sheltering, training or financing terror acts

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Gaza War: ICRC Reiterates Calls for Civilian Protection

Published

6 months ago

December 6, 2023

Ochuwa Ibrahim

Gaza War: ICRC Reiterates Calls for Civilian Protection

By: Michael Mike

The President of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC),
Mirjana Spoljaric has called for the protection of civilians in Gaza and respect for the laws of war.

Spoljaric, who was in Gaza to advance efforts that alleviate the devastating humanitarian toll the ongoing conflict is taking on civilians, reiterated the importance of protecting civilians in Gaza and respect for the laws of war.

She also reiterated the ICRC’s call for the hostages to be immediately released.

According to a statement from ICRC, Spoljaric travel to the region is happening in several stages, with a visit to Israel expected over the coming weeks.

The statement issued before her visit read: “In Gaza, President Spoljaric will spend time with the ICRC team on the ground and visit the European Hospital, where ICRC medical teams have been conducting life-saving surgery alongside local healthcare workers.

“The ICRC has also been providing medical and other supplies to health care facilities as well as livelihood support to displaced people.

“The Palestine Red Crescent Society (PRCS) has been providing ambulance and other core healthcare services in extremely dangerous circumstances in Gaza since the fighting escalated. Many humanitarian and health workers, including members of the PRCS, have been tragically killed in the conduct of their duties over the last weeks.”

Spoljaric was quoted in the statement to have said: “The level of human suffering is intolerable. It is unacceptable that civilians have no safe place to go in Gaza, and with a military siege in place there is also no adequate humanitarian response currently possible.

“The purpose of my visit is to advance efforts that alleviate the desperate humanitarian situation. I will convey my deep concern for the plight of civilians and underline the ICRC’s utmost commitment to doing everything we can to ease their suffering. We have urgently appealed for civilian life to be protected and respected on all sides, in line with international humanitarian law, and I reiterate that appeal today.

“An unimpeded and regular flow of aid must be allowed to enter Gaza. All those deprived of liberty must be treated humanely. The hostages must be released, and the ICRC must be allowed to safely visit them.

“The last week provided a small degree of humanitarian respite, a positive glimpse of humanity that raised hopes around the world that a path to reduced suffering could now be found. As a neutral actor, the ICRC stands ready to support further humanitarian agreements that reduce suffering and heartbreak.”

Gaza War: ICRC Reiterates Calls for Civilian Protection

News

Germany gives €81m grant to ECOWAS for electricity, others

Published

7 months ago

October 30, 2023

Ochuwa Ibrahim

Germany gives €81m grant to ECOWAS for electricity, others

By: Michael Mike

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has received Germany support in the sum of €81 million grant to address vital areas of development in the subregion

This brings to €500 million, the total Germany’s support over a decade.

The President of ECOWAS, Dr. Omar Alieu Touray made the announcement on Sunday when he received the German Chancellor, Olaf Scholz who is in Abuja on a two day visit to Nigeria.

Touray revealed that the grant will cover peace and security, social protection in the sub-region amongst other things.

The Commission’s President, said: “Recently, we concluded an agreement of €81 million that the government of Germany and the people of Germany has decided to grant ECOWAS to support in various areas.

“The grant will cover areas such as peaceful and inclusive society, climate and energy transition, sustainable and economic development, health, social protection and population. These are important sectors and we appreciate Germany for their support.”

He equally disclosed that ECOWAS and Germany have agreed to work closely to address the numerous challenges facing the sub-region.

Touray during a joint press briefing with the German counsellor, said: ” Your Excellency during our discussion, we talked about the challenges that this region is facing such as insecurity, and infrastructure deficit. We have agreed to continue working together. Our regions are closely linked. What happens in one area affects the other and then we appreciate what Germany is doing individually and through the European Union for supporting this region.

“We are appreciative of the partnership that the region continues to enjoy with Germany and the EU particularly in the area of peace and security, and strong governance.”

On his part, the German Chancellor stressed the need to support the subregion in developing its infrastructure and other institutions, noting that it was important to improve trade exchanges in the subregion.

He said: “These are structures that have to be set up in order to improve the exchange at the level of ECOWAS countries. Strengthen the economic, strengthen power of countries that are united in this organisation.”

He also listed health, peace and security amongst other areas of cooperation with ECOWAS.

The German Chancellor In the area of security, said his country is in support of ECOWAS stand on Republic of Niger.

He stressed that his country does not support the evil take over of government .

He said: “The situation of peace and security in the region is important. The times are turbulent and we have to make sure that in such times peace and security can be provided for and ECOWAS has played an important part in the recent past as far as that is concerned.

” So we particularly value the exchange with ECOWAS on this subject matter. It is about not accepting military coups demanding that a return to constitutional authority takes place and provide for peace and security in the region.

Germany gives €81m grant to ECOWAS for electricity, others

News

Israel would stop at nothing to exterminate Hamas- Israeli Ambassador

Published

7 months ago

October 11, 2023

Ochuwa Ibrahim

Israel would stop at nothing to exterminate Hamas- Israeli Ambassador

By: Michael Mike

Ambassador of Israel to Nigeria, Michael Freeman has said his country would stop at nothing to exterminate the Hamas group.

Freeman described as act of terrorism, the killings of about 1000 unsuspecting civilian Israeli citizens by Hamas group.

According to him, Israel would do what it ought to do to finally exterminate the Hamas group.

Freeman said, “So, Israel is going to react, we have declared war on Hamas.

“It is important to state at this point that this is not a war that is between Israel and Palestine, this is not about Israel and Palestine.

“This is about Israel and Hamas, this is about good and evil, this is about civilization and barbarism.

“Either you stand with people who are defending themselves or you stand with those who cut the heads of babies.

“That is what this is about, it is not about anything else.”

He assured of Israel’s plan to do everything within its ambit to avoid civilian casualties in the cause of the war against Hamas.

He mentioned that the Israeli move would not be about religion or Islam, Judaism or Christianity, but evil and good.

The ambassador further said that Israel does not desire war in any circumstances, but would remain committed to protecting its citizens in all possible ways.

“If Hamas will surrender this will be over tomorrow morning, if terrorism will be over that is not realistic.

“I am not asking the Palestinians anything, I am saying to the Palestinians I want a better day. I am saying this with focus on Hamas.

“I am focused on dealing with Hamas and I am focused on stopping it.,” the envoy added.

Earlier, the Palestinian Ambassador to Nigeria, Abdallah Shawesh, underscored the need for application of international laws to resolve the lingering crisis between Palestine and Israel.

Shaweh, who made the call while briefing journalists in Abuja in view of the ongoing war between the two countries urged the international community to stop treating Israel as a nation above the law.

In his response on the Palestinian government position about Hamas, the envoy said the group is not a terrorist organisation.

According to him, there should be fair treatment of all parties, saying the lives of all individuals mattered and thereby, condemned the incessant killings ongoing in both countries.

Shaweh said, “ The group is not a terrorist organisation, but it is fighting the course of the people, to liberate their land from Israeli occupation.

“The ceasefire agreement between the warring parties depends on Israel, which own a comprehensive military formation with support from allies like the United States.

“Many women and children were killed, medical doctors displaced and Ambulances destroyed in the renewed onslaught, the oldest churches in the world was destroyed by the Israeli forces.”

Israel would stop at nothing to exterminate Hamas- Israeli Ambassador