We call on other nations to step forward to accept a share of the responsibility to provide refuge to Afghans, joining Pakistan, which hosts by far the largest fraction on its territory, and Iran, another major country of refuge. We are committed to supporting these efforts, and we insist that all Afghan factions, particularly the Taliban, support them as well. We must see more than tacit, grudging acceptance of reforms. We seek open acknowledgment of and support by all the parties in Afghanistan for wider opportunities for all Afghans, particularly women and girls. Humanitarian operations in Afghanistan must be allowed to proceed unhindered.
Afghan parties have an obligation to protect humanitarian and other international personnel.
The responsibility for the subsequent withdrawal of UN international staff from Kandahar and the suspension of humanitarian assistance activities in southern Afghanistan rests solely with the Taliban. Terrorism, narcotics, and Afghanistan's continuing civil war also demand attention. The efforts of the international community to persuade the Taliban to stop supporting international terrorism complement, rather than conflict with, our humanitarian interest in Afghanistan. As long as Usama Bin Laden enjoys safe haven in Afghanistan and continues to plan terrorist attacks, the international community is at risk, as illustrated by the recently disrupted terrorist plot in Jordan. Narcotics trafficking is a very serious concern.