Meeting for first time in Afghanistan, ‘Six plus Two’ group backs peace process

Holding its first-ever meeting in Afghanistan, a group comprising the country’s neighbours and other influential States today voiced its full backing for the Afghan peace process while urging other members of the international community to support reconstruction in the war-torn nation.

In another historic advance, the “Six plus Two” group -- made up of China, Iran, Pakistan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan plus the Russian Federation and the United States -- held their first meeting in the presence of a representative from Afghanistan, Foreign Minister Abdullah Abdullah, who briefed participants on the current situation in his country.

In a press statement released by the United Nations after the meeting, the group renewed its support for the Bonn peace process and the Interim Administration, pledging to back efforts to establish security and reinforce peace and stability throughout Afghanistan.

The statement also appealed to the international community to “provide the financial and material means the Interim Administration urgently requires for the huge reconstruction needs of the country.”

The group expressed strong support for the activities of the Special Independent Commission for the Emergency Loya Jirga, calling this work “one of the most central elements of the Bonn peace process.” The statement appealed to all parties to respect the Commission’s work and enable it to operate without “any interference or intimidation.” For their part, the Six plus Two group pledged its full collective support to the Commission and to the Loya Jirga process.

Concerning the production and trafficking of illicit drugs in Afghanistan, the group promised to help the Interim Administration in combating the scourge and said it would intensify discussions on this subject both within the group and with Afghan authorities.