Proximity talks relating to Afghanistan.

Proximity talks on the situation relating to Afghanistan were held from 24 to 30 August in Geneva.

Under-Secretary-General for Special Political Affairs, Diego Cordovez, the Personal Representative of Secretary-General Javier Perez de Cuellar on this matter, conducted the negotiations. He described them as "a diplomatic process initiated by the Secretary-General in order to reach a comprehensive settlement of the situation relating to Afghanistan".

The Afghan delegation, led by Foreign Minister Shah Mohammad Dost, and the Pakistani delegation, headed by Foreign Minister Sahabzada Yaqub-Khan, were present at the Palais des Nations in separate rooms. Mr. Cordovez, who shuttled between the two chambers, reported that the new format had accelerated the process, eliminating delays in obtaining replies to specific points, and was the best diplomatic procedure under the circumstances.

In accordance with established practice, the Iranian Government was kept informed through the Permanent Representative of Iran to the United Nations Office in Geneva.

In a report to the Assembly on his initiative (A/39/513-S/16754), the Secretary-General said the parties described the talks as "useful" and "business-like", and had indicated they were ready to hold another round in February 1985.

In his report, Mr. Perez de Cuellar said his efforts were "the only active mechanism of negotiations towards the achievement of a political settlement". That in itself, he said, "involves a heavy responsibility. I have consistently felt that the main concern, indeed the principal aim, of the United Nations in this context should be to end the suffering of the Afghan people".

In preparation for this third round of talks--the first having been held in June 1982, the second in two parts in 1983--Mr. Cordovez visited the area from 3 to 15 April 1984. In Islamabad, he met with Pakistan President Zia ul-Haq, Foreign Minister Yaqub-Khan and other senior Government officials. In Kabul, he met with Afghan President Babrak Karmal and Foreign Minister Dost. In Teheran, he met with Foreign Minister Ali akbar Velayati and other senior Foreign Ministry officials.

At this stage, a number of specific steps, both substantive and procedural, were agreed upon in order to give impetus to the diplomatic process. Efforts to achieve a comprehensive settlement, it was also agreed, should focus on the main outstanding issues, the Secretary-General reported.

Iran reiterated its desire and...