Thank you Madam President. I also thank the Secretary General, SRSG Lyons, and Ms Seraj for their sobering briefings today, and I’m grateful to Ambassador Tirumurti for his update on the work of the 1988 committee. Madam President, the situation in Afghanistan remains of deep concern. Over 20 million people, half the population, are in need of urgent assistance. The risks of a humanitarian catastrophe are real and urgent action is needed to avert economic collapse. The work of UNAMA and UN leadership remain crucial. The United Kingdom welcomes the launch today of the Transitional Engagement Fr…