New UNAMA chief is to work on Afghan peace neutrally

The Japanese diplomat said in an interview with NHK in Tokyo on Friday, that security in Afghanistan deteriorated after most international troops left in 2014. He acknowledged that the Taliban could increase its offensive.

He said it is important for Afghan troops to cope with the situation with the help of the global community, adding that a clear message must be sent to the Taliban that they cannot win in terms of military strength.

On the issue of suspended talks between the Afghan government and Taliban insurgents, Yamamoto said he will serve as a neutral mediator to determine what actions will best lead to peace.

He said he will make great efforts to create a climate in which both sides can talk frankly.

Yamamoto is scheduled to assume the post in June.

U.N Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon last week announced the appointment of Yamamoto as his Special Representative for the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA). He will succeed Nicholas Haysom of South Africa who has served in this critical role since 2014.

Serving as Deputy Special Representative for UNAMA since 2014, Yamamoto is a diplomat with forty years of professional experience in political affairs, international cooperation and economic development, spanning several continents.

He has held several positions with Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, ranging from Ambassador to Hungary to Special Representative of the Government of Japan for Afghanistan and Pakistan, and Ambassador in charge of International Counter-Terrorism and Reconstruction Assistance to Iraq. He also served as the Permanent Delegate of Japan to UNESCO.