France, Britain to urge UN to create safe zone in Kabul

France and Britain will urge the United Nations to create a ‘safe zone’ in the capital, Kabul, to help continue humanitarian operations in Afghanistan. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres will discuss the latest developments in Afghanistan with the five permanent members of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) on Monday.

French President Emmanuel Macron said in an interview that France and Britain are preparing a “draft proposal” aimed at creating a “safe zone” in Kabul under UN-controlled efforts to continue humanitarian operations in Afghanistan. He clarified that the ‘Safe Zone’ would provide a framework for the United Nations to act in an emergency. He also said that France has confidence in Qatar for its assistance in matters related to airlift operations in Afghanistan.

Mr Macron confirmed that talks have been started with the Taliban for humanitarian operations and the evacuation of Afghans.