(MENAFN- Kuwait News Agency (KUNA)) WASHINGTON, Feb 3 (KUNA) -- US President Joe Biden announced on Friday continuation beyond February 11, 2023, of the national emergency with respect to the widespread humanitarian crisis and the potential deepening of economic collapse in Afghanistan.
On February 11, 2022, he declared a national emergency to deal with the unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security and foreign policy of the United States constituted by the widespread humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan and the potential for a deepening economic collapse in Afghanistan, a notice from the White House recalled.
'The widespread humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan including the urgent needs of the people of Afghanistan for food security, livelihoods support, water, sanitation, health, hygiene, shelter and settlement assistance, and COVID-19-related assistance, among other basic human needs and the potential for a deepening economic collapse in Afghanistan continue to pose an unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security and foreign policy of the United States.
'In addition, the preservation of certain property of Da Afghanistan Bank (DAB) held in the United States by United States financial institutions is of the utmost importance to addressing this national emergency and the welfare of the people of Afghanistan,' according to the notice.
Various parties, including representatives of victims of terrorism, have asserted legal claims against certain property of DAB or indicated in public court filings an intent to make such claims. This property is blocked under Executive Order 14064.
'For these reasons, the national must continue in effect beyond February 11, 2023,' President Biden affirmed.
'Therefore, I am continuing for 1 year the national emergency with respect to the widespread humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan and the potential for a deepening economic collapse in Afghanistan.
'This notice shall be published in the Federal Register and transmitted to the Congress,' he added. (end)
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