November 24, 2001	Saturday	Ramazan 8, 1422

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ISLAMABAD, Nov 23: The United Nations has called for a negotiated settlement between the warring parties in Kunduz, expressing concern over expected bloodshed in the last bastion of Taliban resistance.

Speaking at a news conference here on Friday, the spokesperson for United Nations Office for Coordination of Humanitarian Assistance to Afghanistan (UNOCHA), Stephanie Bunker, said the UN was concerned at the situation in Kunduz, involving Taliban and Northern Alliance forces.

She said a negotiated settlement for the surrender of Taliban forces would not only avert a bloodshed but also allow the UN and its partners to revive the much-needed humanitarian assistance programmes for the Afghan population in Kunduz.

Calling upon the warring parties to respect the international law, the spokesperson said that, under the international humanitarian law and the UN Human Rights Convention, members of armed forces who laid down their arms were entitled to be treated humanely without any discrimination.

Referring to a recent meeting of UN officials with Northern Alliance foreign minister Abdullah, Ms Bunker said it was fruitful. The UN mission was encouraged by pledge given by the Northern Alliance to respect existing treaties on human rights.