Ambassador Soroosh Speaks in a Special Virtual Session About Current Situation in Afghanistan
Ottawa- July 30, 2021
Ambassador Hassan Soroosh participated in a special virtual session with the Canada-Afghanistan Parliamentary Friendship Group (CAPFG) and provided updates on the current situation in Afghanistan.
The event was attended by members of Parliament including Hon. Senator Salma Ataullahjan, Co-chair of Canada-Afghanistan Parliamentary Friendship Group; Hon. Francesco Sorbara, Co-chair of Canada-Afghanistan Parliamentary Friendship Group; Hon. Senator Peter M. Boehm, Chair of the Senate Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Trade; Hon. Senator Marilou McPhedran; Hon. Senator Salma Zahid; Hon. Senator Victor Oh; Hon. Senator Mobina Jaffer; Hon. Senator Mohamed-Iqbal Ravalia; Hon. MP Yasmin Ratansi; Hon. MP Sameer Zuberi; Hon. MP Robert Kitchen; Mrs. Adeena Niazi and Mrs. Asma Faizi from the Afghan Women’s Organization in Toronto as well as representatives from various departments in Canada.
Ambassador Soroosh briefed the participants about the ongoing brutal campaign of violence waged by the Taliban and foreign terrorist groups against the people of Afghanistan; widespread violation of human rights; high number of casualties and IDPs among civilians including women and children; a deteriorating humanitarian situation and significant damages to public properties and infrastructure by the Taliban.
Ambassador Soroosh also spoke about the recent achievements of the Afghanistan National Defence and Security Forces (ANDSF) in recapturing a considerable number of districts in various provinces and highlighted the commitment of the government to improve the security situation in the country in the weeks and months to come.
While highlighting the dedication and capabilities of ANDSF, Ambassador Soroosh stressed the importance of strengthening collective counter terrorism capabilities including through continued support to ANDSF. Ambassador Soroosh also spoke about the commitment of the people and government of Afghanistan to the peace efforts.
The participants expressed their concern over the unprecedented increase in violence against Afghan citizens and human rights violation and stressed the importance of continuation of cooperation and long-term partnership between Afghanistan and Canada in various areas including education, human rights and women’s empowerment.
Ambassador Soroosh expressed his gratefulness for Canada’s continued support to development and peace efforts in Afghanistan as well as for CAPFG’s sustained commitment and engagement in support of Afghanistan.
Counselor Azim Wardak and Ms. Shabana Kargar, Head of the Social Affairs Section from the Embassy also attended this virtual session.
Published in: News
