CSTO Members Discuss Palestine and Afghanistan

The declarations of the CSTO member countries at the meeting in Astana touched upon the Arab-Israeli conflict and the situation in Afghanistan, Orda reports.

The document emphasizes that the CSTO member countries are "deeply concerned" about the escalation of the Arab-Israeli conflict, which has caused a devastating humanitarian crisis and led to numerous civilian casualties in the Gaza Strip and Lebanon.

The declaration also calls for a sustainable cessation of hostilities in the Gaza Strip and the region, ensuring the safe and uninterrupted delivery of humanitarian aid. It also calls for exercising restraint amid the potential expansion of the armed conflict.

We emphasize the importance of creating conditions for a political and diplomatic settlement and intensifying efforts aimed at achieving peace, stability and security for all residents of the region. We are confident that the solution to the problems surrouding Palestine is possible only within the framework of the international legal framework, including the resolutions of the UN Security Council and General Assembly, as well as the Arab Peace Initiative. This framework presupposes the creation of an independent Palestinian state within the borders of June 4, 1967, with its capital in East Jerusalem, based on the principle of two states, the declaration clarifies.

The participating countries also urge for the establishment of Afghanistan as a peaceful, independent, and united state, free from war, terrorism, and drugs.

We note the importance of forming an inclusive government in the country that will represent the interests of all segments of the population and ethnic groups as one of the key factors for ensuring a stable and prosperous Afghanistan. We call on the international community to increase the volume of humanitarian aid to Afghanistan to support the population and develop the infrastructure of this country, the document says.

The document states that developing economic interconnectedness and integrating Afghanistan into regional economic systems will strengthen peace and stability. 

The declaration notes the potential of multilateral platforms for Afghan settlement, including under the auspices of the UN.

We emphasize that double standards are unacceptable in the fight against terrorism. Terrorism in any form and manifestation cannot be justified; condoning terrorists and harboring them must be resolutely condemned by the entire world community, noted in the document.

Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin, speaking at a narrow-format meeting, claimed Russia is selecting targets in Ukraine for strikes with the "Oreshnik" missiles. These could be military facilities, defense and industrial enterprises, or decision-making centers in Kyiv.

The Russian President's speech emerged on the Kremlin's Telegram channel.

Original Author: Zhadra Zhulmukhametova