UNITED NATIONS: The UN Security Council has welcomed direct talks held in Pakistan between representatives of the Afghan government and the Taliban.

In a statement released here on Friday, members of the Security Council expressed their appreciation for “the constructive roles” played by the governments of Pakistan, China, the United States, and the international community.

Know more: First round of Afghan govt, Taliban dialogue concludes in Murree

They said the talks were “a step towards peace and reconciliation” in Afghanistan.

The Security Council members reiterated that women had a vital role to play in the peace process, as recognised in the Security Council resolution 1325 and related resolutions.

They stressed the need for the full, equal and effective participa-tion of women at all the stages of the peace process.

Published in Dawn, July 12th, 2015

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