Doha: The Taliban administration in Afghanistan asserted its commitment to constructive engagement by participating in a United Nations (UN)-led meeting held in Doha, Qatar, on Sunday (June 30). Speaking at the event, Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid emphasized the significance of the talks in addressing unilateral and multilateral sanctions targeting Afghan officials and the country’s financial sectors.
“This forum represents a positive step towards addressing these issues and providing reassurance to the Afghan people that the imposed restrictions on our nation will be alleviated in due course,” Mujahid stated, leading the Taliban delegation at the discussions, as reported by TOLO News.
Policy Variances Among Nations Are Inherent
During the talks, Mujahid acknowledged that certain countries may have reservations about some Taliban policies. “Policy differences among states are natural, and it is incumbent upon seasoned diplomats to foster interaction and understanding rather than confrontation,” he remarked.
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He underscored the Islamic Emirate’s readiness and capability to establish and maintain diplomatic relations. “Consequently, other nations, particularly Western countries, can remove the obstacles hindering the development of relations with the Afghan government. Like the regional countries, they can take genuine and practical steps toward positive engagement,” he added, according to TOLO News.
The Taliban spokesperson expressed gratitude towards countries providing humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan.
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Agenda at the UN-Led Talks
The agenda of the third round of talks encompassed combating narcotics and addressing economic challenges in Afghanistan. Criticism arose from rights groups concerning the exclusion of Afghan women from primary discussions and the absence of human rights issues on the agenda.
Initially excluded from the first Doha talks last year and declining to attend the second, the Taliban had insisted on being the sole Afghan representatives, excluding invited civil society groups. This condition was met for the third round of talks.
