We have learned with concern that the human and material loss in Afghanistan is once again on the rise and a large number of civilians are obliged to leave their homes as a result of the one month old Taliban offensive which is this time targeting the Talokan, the capital of Takhar province in Northern Afghanistan.

It is utmost worrying that the civilian population of the region are now facing hunger and illness. Urgent humanitarian assistance by the inteirnational community should be provided to those affected from the conflict.

Turkey maintains her conviction that the crises in Afghanistan cannot be solved through military methods and that a just and a lasting solution can only be brought about after the formation of a broad based Government with the consensus and representation of all segments of the Afghan society. Turkey reiterates her call to put an end to the ongoing clashes and believes that efforts directed at solving the conflict has to be intensified, in particular by the United Nations.

Turkey is prepared to contribute to this end.