OIC offers to help Afghanistan peace, facilitate evacuations

The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) said on Sunday that it would seek to help achieve peace in Afghanistan and to facilitate evacuation operations from the country.

During an emergency meeting of the 57-member body to discuss the situation in Afghanistan, OIC Secretary-General Dr. Yousef bin Ahmed Al-Othaimeen called on the Taliban to respect international humanitarian law and the right to life and security.

Al-Othaimeen added that the organization expected a comprehensive dialogue and national reconciliation from the authorities in Afghanistan.

Afghanistan should never again be allowed to shelter “terrorist organisations,” the organization said.

The OIC’s final communiqué said that member states were concerned about the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Afghanistan as a result of the influx of displaced people.

It added that the organisation is committed to helping Afghanistan and bringing peace to the country.

The OIC stands with the Afghan people and emphasized that their rights should be protected, the statement said.

It also called on Afghan parties to resolve their differences “peacefully.”

The emergency meeting was requested by Saudi Arabia.