The U.S. chargé d’affaires stated that during the Doha meeting, the Taliban told global representatives that the current situation in Afghanistan reflects what the people want.
Karen Decker mentioned that it is now up to the people of Afghanistan to clarify whether the Taliban’s system is what they want.
However, the people of Afghanistan have consistently demanded respect for women’s rights, including education, work, and freedom of movement, as well as an inclusive government and respect for the country’s diversity. Despite these demands, the current regime has responded with repressive policies amid significant criticism.
On Monday, July 22, Decker emphasized to reporters that the primary concern for representatives from 25 countries and three regional organizations at the Doha meeting was the rights of women and girls in Afghanistan.
Decker noted that throughout the Doha discussions, women’s issues were central, and all representatives warned that Afghanistan could not succeed by excluding half of its population.
According to the U.S. diplomat, Zabihullah Mujahid, a trusted spokesperson of the Taliban leader based in Kandahar, heard from all representatives that Afghanistan cannot succeed by sidelining half its population.
At the meeting, the Taliban emphasized the removal of sanctions and the provision of development aid.
Decker indicated that the lifting of sanctions and the release of Afghanistan’s foreign reserves are among the Taliban’s demands, but the international community has not responded positively to these requests.
Meanwhile, Decker affirmed, “We have not yielded to the Taliban’s demands. They want foreign reserves released, sanctions lifted, and Afghanistan’s UN seat granted to them, but none of these things have happened.”
She added that the U.S. consistently highlights the Taliban’s human rights record in various meetings, stating that Afghanistan cannot join the international community unless the Taliban fulfills its international obligations.
Among these obligations, Decker mentioned allowing girls and women access to education and the right to work.
Decker responded to criticisms regarding humanitarian aid being sent to Taliban-controlled Afghanistan, stating that the U.S. does not want to use food as a weapon.
She concluded that the complexities of Afghanistan’s issues are profound, and the UN is considering appointing a special representative to address these challenges, emphasizing that this appointment remains a strong possibility.
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