The members of the Security Council have been briefed on the situation in Afghanistan, as well as on the meetings the President of the Security Council had with the Permanent Representatives of Afghanistan, Tajikistan and Iran on this subject.
The members of the Council express their grave concern at the continuing escalation of the armed conflict in Afghanistan caused by the Taliban forces offensive in the northern parts of the country. The Council members are gravely concerned at the humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan, which has deepened further as a result of the recent offensive. They emphasize the need for respect of humanitarian law and human rights, and the need to allow humanitarian access to the people in need and the humanitarian organizations to carry out their work.
The Council members condemn complete disregard displayed by the Taliban towards the will of the international community, and in particular towards the decision in the Statement of the President of the Security Council of 6 August 1998 demanding an urgent and unconditional cease-fire leading to a final end to the hostilities.
The members of the Council are deeply concerned at the reports of the capture by the Taliban of the Consulate-General of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Mazar-e-Sharif and the rough treatment of its personnel. They strongly warn the perpetrators of this flagrant violation of the recognized norms and principles of international law against causing any further harm to their captives and demand immediate release of the personnel of the Consulate-General of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Mazar-e-Sharif, as well as the IRNA correspondent in that city.
The members of the Council are deeply concerned at the persistent reports of outside military involvement and call upon all States to refrain from any outside interference in the internal affairs of Afghanistan, including the involvement of foreign military personnel.
The Council members wish to reiterate their position that there is no military solution to the Afghan conflict and demand an end to the bloodshed and a resumption of the inter-Afghan peaceful dialogue under the auspices of the United Nations.