Al-Sharq, Al-Raya Affirm Qatar's Support for Afghanistan's Security, Stability

Doha, August 16 (QNA) - In their editorials Monday, Al-Sharq and Al-Raya newspapers expressed concern about the accelerated developments on the Afghan scene, and their fear that these developments could plunge the country into violence, insecurity or civil war in the worst-case scenario. The newspapers stressed that the State of Qatar, which plays a significant role in the Afghan file, is closely following the fast-paced developments in the Afghan capital, Kabul, and called for an immediate, comprehensive and permanent ceasefire in all Afghan territories. They pointed out that the world is waiting for the next step in Afghanistan, especially after the Taliban pledged to avoid violence and to be open to all spectrums and components of the Afghan people, who deserve to live in security and peace away from wars, conflicts and crises. Qatari daily Al-Sharq said that the world has followed the rapid developments in Afghanistan, with the sudden entry of Taliban movement's forces yesterday evening into the Afghan capital, Kabul, at the end of a dramatic week that began with the movement's rapid advance by taking control of most Afghanistan's provincial capitals and border crossings with neighboring countries, before reaching Kabul and entering the presidential palace after Afghan President Ashraf Ghani left the country. The paper underlined that these developments had raised a wave of international and regional concerns, and prompted western countries to move quickly to evacuate their citizens and diplomatic staff. They also raised the concern of many Afghan citizens, some of whom began looking for a way to leave the country, in light of the mystery of Afghanistan's future after Taliban seized the power, the paper added. Al-Sharq said that despite the reassurances issued by the Taliban, there are fears and cautious anticipation, at a time when attention began to turn towards Doha as the main negotiation center, which represents a hope that may come out with a roadmap that shapes the future of Afghanistan. The paper pointed out that the State of Qatar is working with the United Nations and international partners to bring lasting peace to Afghanistan, in a way that achieves the aspirations of its people for security, stability and development, and in this context it sponsored several Afghan negotiation rounds, noting that last weekend it hosted the international meeting on the peace process in Afghanistan, during which it called on all parties involved to take more steps towards building confidence and intensifying efforts to reach a political settlement, and also expressed a commitment to assisting in reconstruction once a political settlement is reached. In conclusion, Al-Sharq said that the State of Qatar's call for an immediate, comprehensive and permanent ceasefire in Afghanistan and the need to work urgently for a peaceful transfer of power that would pave the way for a comprehensive political settlement, include all Afghan parties, reflects its strong keenness to ensure security and stability in Afghanistan. Al-Raya newspaper said in its editorial that the rapid developments on the Afghan scene are undoubtedly of international concern, and their are fears that these developments could lead to violence, insecurity or civil war. The paper underlined that the State of Qatar, which plays a significant role in the Afghan file, is closely following the fast-paced developments in the Afghan capital, Kabul, and called for an immediate, comprehensive and permanent ceasefire in all Afghan territories The newspaper referred to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' affirmation in a statement yesterday on the need to work urgently for a peaceful transfer of power that would pave the way for a comprehensive political settlement to include all Afghan parties and achieve security and stability in the country and the need to ensure the safety of civilians in all afghan territories. Qatar reiterated in the statement its commitment to continue working with the United Nations and international partners to realise lasting peace in Afghanistan to fulfil the aspirations of its people for security, stability and development, the paper added. Everyone around the world is waiting for the next step in Afghanistan, especially after Taliban pledged to avoid violence and to be open to all spectrums and components of the Afghan people and the sincere desire for a participatory government that meets the aspirations of the Afghan people who deserve to live in security and peace far from wars, conflicts and crises, Al-Raya noted. Th newspaper concluded by saying that the recent developments should be built upon for the sake of Afghanistan and its people who want to live in an atmosphere of security, peace and the rule of law. (QNA)