OIC urges Afghan leaders to not let Afghanistan become 'terrorist haven'

The 57-member Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) pledged on Sunday to help achieve peace in Afghanistan and said its future leaders must guard against allowing the country to be used as a backyard for international militancy.

The organisation urged "the future Afghan leadership" and the international community to work together to ensure that Afghanistan is never again used as a platform or safe haven for "terrorists".

"Terrorist organisations are not allowed to have a foothold (in Afghanistan)," said a final communique, issued after the Saudi Arabia-based organisation held a special meeting called by Riyadh to discuss the situation in the war-torn country.

The body’s calls and decisions are mostly symbolic, but it shows mistrust towards the Taliban who took over Kabul last week, and how some Muslim countries are concerned about the new reality on the ground in Afghanistan.

The statement called on Afghan parties to resolve their differences "peacefully".

On Saturday, Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Quresho held telephonic conversation with OIC Secretary General Al-Othaimeen, according to a statement issued by the Foreign Office.

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Qureshi underscored the importance of ensuring safety, security and protection of the rights of the Afghan people.

The foreign minister had said that it was important for the Muslim world to show solidarity with Afghan people in their quest for a “peaceful, united, stable and prosperous” Afghanistan. “The success of negotiations in Kabul would not only benefit Afghanistan but also the region.”

Noting the significance of efforts towards establishing an inclusive government, the foreign minister warned of the spoilers within and outside Afghanistan, who wanted to take advantage of the situation in the country.

The OIC secretary general had apprised the foreign minister of an extraordinary OIC executive meeting that was held in Jeddah at the level of ambassadors/permanent representatives.

(With input from News Desk)