In UNAMA’s weekly press conference on February 12 and in the context of questions on negotiations in Musa Qala, the Spokesman of the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan stated that the UN was open to approaches that bring peace in Afghanistan providing they are based upon Afghanistan’s Constitution. A transcript of the press conference, including this comment, can be found on the UNAMA website www.unama-afg.org

UNAMA wishes to make clear its view that those who have committed war crimes must be accountable for their actions. This is in line with Articles 7 and 8 of Afghanistan’s Constitution, with Resolution 1267 of the UN Security Council on actions against the Taliban and al-Qaida, and with Afghanistan’s obligations under the international treaties to which it is party.

We see no difference between this view and the statements of the President of the sovereign Islamic Republic of Afghanistan. In this regard, we also welcome the further affirmation of these principles expressed by Foreign Minister Spanta at Monday’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs press conference.

Journalists, press officers, and others interested in knowing about UNAMA and the work of UN agencies in Afghanistan may subscribe to transcripts of all our press conferences and other news materials via the UNAMA website www.unama-afg.org

Kabul, February 14 2007