Taliban FM promised to resolve female activists' issues: UN

Kabul: Taliban Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi promised to resolve the issue of the missing female activists, it was announced after a meeting with Deborah Lyons, the UN Secretary-General's special envoy to Afghanistan.

Lyons and Muttaqi held the meeting on Wednesday during which the Taliban Minister "assured of efforts to resolve issue. His constructive approach welcomed. UN continues to engage Taliban to support welfare and rights of all Afghans", according to the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA).

While Tamana Paryani and Parwana Ibrahimkhil went missing in January, Zahra Mohammadi and Mursal Ayar disappeared last week.

On Thursday, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres joined those who had been expressing concerns over the well-being of the activists. "I am increasingly concerned about the well-being of missing women activists in Afghanistan. Several have 'disappeared', some not heard from in weeks," Guterres said in a tweet.

"I strongly urge the Taliban to ensure their safety so that they can return home."

Echoing the UN chief's concern, Australia's interim mission to Afghanistan said on Thursday: "Australia shares the international community's concerns about the well-being of women activists in Afghanistan. We urge the Taliban to resolve this issue and ensure the rights of all Afghans."

Meanwhile, Afghan women's rights activists have called for clarification over the fate of the missing.

"Releasing statements, holding conference, gatherings and twitter messages will never end in a result which is required and we expect. These do not change the situation," said Monisa Mubariz, a women's rights activist.

(Based on IANS feed)