§ 13. Mr. Moynihanasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of the situation in Afghanistan following his recent visit to south-west Asia.
§ Sir Geoffrey HoweI listened to representations from Afghan refugees, and discussed the matter with the Pakistan Government and with the provincial Government in Peshawar. The presence in Pakistan of 3 million refugees poses very real problems. I visited a refugee hospital and camp, and was deeply struck by the human consequences of the war. The key to peace is the immediate withdrawal of Soviet troops from Afghanistan. To that end we fully support the talks at present being held under United Nations auspices.
§ Mr. MoynihanDoes my right hon. and learned Friend agree that the Mujahidin must be involved in any peacemaking process?
§ Sir Geoffrey HoweClearly it is important that the peace-making process should produce an outcome acceptable to the Afghan people.