U.N. Security Council discussing condemnation of Taliban

NEW YORK, Aug 12 (Reuters) - The U.N. Security Council is discussing a draft declaration that would condemn Taliban assaults on towns and towns inflicting high civilian casualties and threaten sanctions for abuses and acts that threat Afghanistan's peace and balance, diplomats stated on Thursday.

The formal declaration, drafted by Estonia and Norway and seen through Reuters, must be agreed via consensus by means of the 15-member frame.

The text additionally "strongly affirms that the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan isn't recognized at the United Nations and pronounces that it does now not and will now not support the established order of any government in Afghanistan imposed through army force or restoration of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan."

The U.N. Unique envoy for Afghanistan, Deborah Lyons, last week questioned the Taliban's dedication to a political settlement, telling the Security Council the struggle has entered a "deadlier and greater adverse section."

"The Security Council condemns in the strongest terms viable the armed attacks by using Taliban forces on cities and towns throughout Afghanistan, resulting in excessive numbers of civilian casualties," the draft statement reads.

The draft text also underlines a council "readiness to impose extra measures on the ones responsible for violations or abuses of human rights or violations of worldwide humanitarian regulation, consisting of the ones worried in attacks targeting civilians, and people or entities engaging in, or presenting assist for, acts that threaten peace, stability or security."

The United Nations stated on Thursday it's miles mainly involved about a shift in fighting in Afghanistan to urban regions, warning that if a Taliban offensive reaches the capital Kabul it would have a "catastrophic effect on civilians."

The Taliban has stepped up its campaign to defeat the U.S.-sponsored government considering the fact that April as overseas forces entire their withdrawal after two decades. The Islamist militants now manage approximately -thirds of Afghanistan.

The organization claimed manage over  of Afghanistan's biggest cities on Thursday, consistent with media reports, because the United States and Britain stated they could ship hundreds of troops to assist evacuate their embassy team of workers.

The fall of primary towns changed into a sign that Afghans welcome the Taliban, a spokesperson for the institution stated, including they could "not close the door to the political track," in step with Al Jazeera TV.