Ray Burke
Question:86 Mr. R. Burke asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the Government's and the EU's position regarding the advance of the Taliban militia through Afghanistan. [18148/96]
Written Answers. - Afghan Conflict.
Following the fall of Kabul on 27 September 1996, the Taliban are now in control of the seat of the central Government of Afghanistan and have formed an interim council of six Taliban mullahs. Currently fighting is continuing in the northeastern provinces of Afghanistan with troops, loyal to the ousted Government retreating, while Commander Dostum, a warlord, and his troops remain in control of six northern provinces.
The Government is seriously concerned about the continuation of hostilities in Afghanistan and would urge all parties to the conflict to seek a peaceful resolution of their difficulties through negotiations.
The Government condemns unreservedly the violation of the United Nations premises in Kabul in contravention of international law and the summary justice and executions which have been carried out by the Taliban.
The Government is also concerned at the interpretation of Islamic law being advanced by the Taliban whereby women are restricted from working outside their homes and girls, according to some reports, will no longer have access to education. The Government calls upon the Taliban interim council to respect basic human rights and to ensure that in accordance with the United Nations Convention on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women, their policies avoid gender discrimination.
The European Union is actively considering its response to developments in Afghanistan. The Presidency has arranged for the issue to be discussed at a meeting, in the framework of the common foreign and security policy, which is taking place in Brussels today.