Malaysia condemns attack on Afghanistan parliament

Malaysia's Deputy Permanent Representative to the United Nations (UN), Siti Hajjar Adnin, in offering the country's condolences and deepest sympathies to the families and loved ones of those killed, said the only way forward was through peaceful political negotiations.

"Despite the attack, we hope that Afghanistan will stay the course in finalising the formation of National Unity Government based on power-sharing and social transformation.

"We understand very well the significance of mutual respect and inclusiveness in such matters," she said at the Security Council's Debate of the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) on the Situation in Afghanistan in New York on Monday.

Siti Hajjar's speech was faxed to Bernama here Tuesday.

She said Malaysia looks forward to support from all parties in the realisation of the agenda set by Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani Ahmadzai and Afghan Chief Executive Officer Dr Abdullah Abdullah (rpt: Abdullah Abdullah).

"Therefore, it is our hope that these efforts will demonstrate the strong testament of the Afghan people and its government towards and Afghan-led and Afghan-owned Decade of Transformation.

"Malaysia reiterates our support for the efforts of the Afghan government towards the peace and reconciliation process, and we are heartened by the extensive engagements between president Ashraf and his local and regional interlocutors," said Siti Hajjar.

She said Malaysia also welcomed the progress made in instituting electoral reforms and urged the government to remain steadfast in making this and other reforms.

"In our view, the sustained positive atmosphere in the region has become a catalyst for a more open and constructive discourse, and we call on all parties to continue to support this vital process.

"Key stakeholders in the region should also intensify their efforts to support and assist Afghanistan, including through more substantive dialogues in regional and multilateral cooperation forums, such as the Heart of Asia-Istanbul process," she said.

Siti Hajjar said while encouraged by the significant progress on the political front, Malaysia noted that the security situation remains precarious, with a high number of civilian casualtities reported in armed conflicts.

Malaysia strongly condemned the deliberate targeting of civilians.

"It is deeply deplorable that Afghan children continue to bear the brunt of violent conflict in the country whether through being caught in crossfire, improvised explosive device attacks or explosive remnants of war," she said.

She said Malaysia calls on all parties undertaking ground engagements to comply with international humanitarian law and to commit to the protection of civilians including women and children.

Malaysia is also concerned about the large presence of foreign fighters across Afghanistan, including those associated with terrorist groups, and this has been a matter of great interest for coutries in the region, particularly in Central Asia.

"While there may be an absence of hard evidence to prove that certain terrorist and extremist groups are operating in Afghanistan, this should not prevent us from addressing the root causes which enable such groups to gain support," she said.

Siti Hajjar said UN, the Security Council and the rest of the international community should continue to lend support, encouragement and assistance to Afghanistan through reconstruction and redevelopment efforts for rebuilding the country.