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IEA names Afghan UN envoy, asks to speak to world leaders
The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (IEA) has asked to address world leaders at the United Nations in New York this week and nominated their Doha-based spokesman Suhail Shaheen as Afghanistan’s UN ambassador, according to a letter seen by Reuters on Tuesday.
Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi made the request in a letter to UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Monday, Reuters reported.
Muttaqi asked to speak during the annual high-level meeting of the General Assembly, which finishes on Monday.
Guterres’ spokesperson, Farhan Haq, confirmed Muttaqi’s letter.
The move sets up a showdown with Ghulam Ishaqzai, the UN ambassador in New York representing Afghanistan’s government ousted last month by the IEA.
Haq said the rival requests for Afghanistan’s UN seat had been sent to a nine-member credentials committee, whose members include the United States, China and Russia. The committee is unlikely to meet on the issue before Monday, so it is doubtful that the IEA foreign minister will address the world body, Reuters reported.
Eventual UN acceptance of the ambassador of the IEA would be an important step in the new government’s bid for international recognition, which could help unlock badly needed funds for the cash-strapped Afghan economy.
Guterres has said that the IEA’s desire for international recognition is the only leverage other countries have to press for inclusive government and respect for rights, particularly for women, in Afghanistan.
The IEA’s letter said Ishaqzai’s mission “is considered over and that he no longer represents Afghanistan,” said Haq.
Until a decision is made by the credentials committee Ishaqzai will remain in the seat, according to the General Assembly rules. He is currently scheduled to address the final day of the meeting on September 27, but it was not immediately clear if any countries might object in the wake of the Islamic Emirate’s letter.
The committee traditionally meets in October or November to assess the credentials of all UN members before submitting a report for General Assembly approval before the end of the year. The committee and General Assembly usually operate by consensus on credentials, diplomats said.
Others members of the committee are the Bahamas, Bhutan, Chile, Namibia, Sierra Leone and Sweden.
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Pakistani military jet downed in Afghanistan’s Jalalabad, pilot captured alive
Afghan forces successfully shot down a military jet belonging to the Pakistani military in the 6th district of Jalalabad, according to the spokesperson of the Nangarhar police.
Officials confirmed that the pilot of the jet was captured alive following the incident. The spokesperson did not immediately provide further details on the circumstances leading to the downing of the aircraft or the current status of the pilot.
This development comes amid ongoing tensions along the Durand Line, where security forces from both sides have reportedly engaged in sporadic clashes recently.
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UAE and Iran call for diplomatic resolution to Afghanistan–Pakistan tensions
The United Arab Emirates has expressed concern over the recent clashes between Afghanistan and Pakistan, urging both sides to exercise restraint and prevent any further escalation.
In its statement, the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs stressed that disputes must be resolved through dialogue and diplomatic channels — an approach the country says can help strengthen security and stability in South Asia.
The UAE also reaffirmed its support for efforts aimed at building trust and promoting dialogue between the two sides, noting that such steps can help fulfill the aspirations of both nations for peace and development.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Iran issued a separate statement expressing deep concern and regret over the intensifying violence, warning that continued hostilities could have serious humanitarian and security consequences for the region.
Tehran emphasized the need for mutual respect for territorial integrity and national sovereignty, calling on both countries to immediately begin dialogue and engagement.
Iran also announced its readiness to assist in reducing tensions and facilitating discussions between the two sides to achieve a complete cessation of hostilities and reach an understanding.
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EU calls for immediate de-escalation amid rising Afghanistan–Pakistan tensions
The European Union has urged all parties involved to immediately de-escalate following a sharp rise in violence between Afghanistan and Pakistan, including cross-Durand Line attacks and airstrikes.
In a statement issued by the High Representative on behalf of the EU, the bloc warned that the continuation of hostilities could have “serious implications for the region.”
The statement reaffirmed the EU’s position that Afghan territory must not be used to threaten or attack other states, calling on the Islamic Emirate to take “effective action” against all terrorist groups operating in or from Afghanistan. The Islamic Emirate has previously denied presence of militant groups in Afghanistan.
The EU also urged both Kabul and Islamabad to pursue dialogue to prevent further escalation. It stressed that international law — including humanitarian law — must be respected by all sides, and emphasized the importance of protecting civilians and civilian infrastructure.
“All feasible precautions must be taken to prevent further civilian harm,” the statement added.
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