United Nations: A Chinese diplomat has stressed the importance of stable security for the transition process in Afghanistan, urging all parties to protect civilians, Xinhua news agency reported. Wang Min, Deputy permanent Representative to the UN, was speaking at a Security Council meeting on Afghanistan. He said that “a stable security situation constitutes an important guarantee for the smooth transition in Afghanistan,” and urged all parties to comply with international humanitarian law and other laws to fulfil their responsibility to protect civilians. “China has always supported national reconciliation led by Afghans,” Wang stressed. “National reconciliation of Afghanistan must be led by the government and people of Afghanistan.” He also called on the international community to honour its commitment to assist Afghanistan and strengthen its development. Wang said a successful election in 2014 is of great significance for consolidation of peaceful reconstruction in Afghanistan. “We hope that the Afghan people continue to pursue dialogue and consultations to address their differences and ensure the success of the election,” he added.
Government allies killed
KHAR, Pakistan: Militants armed with guns and rockets killed two members of a Pakistani pro-government militia and wounded two policemen in a tribal district on the Afghanistan border, officials said yesterday. The attack in the northwestern district of Bajaur came days after US officials said they hoped to open peace talks with the Afghan Taliban in Doha. About a dozen insurgents attacked the homes of two tribal elders near Khar, the main town in Bajaur late on Thursday, administration official Abdul Haseeb said. The elders, who were members of a pro-government tribal militia, were killed and two tribal policemen were wounded, Haseeb said. A security official in the area said the militants targeted the elders. Pakistan has been fighting insurgents in its northwestern areas bordering Afghanistan. The US-led Nato mission is due to withdraw next year after combatting 12-year Afghan Taliban insurgency. Agencies
