Taliban Continues Deliberation Over Doha Meet Participation With UN Special Coordinator

The Taliban's Ministry of Foreign Affairs has detailed a recent discussion between Feridun Sinirlioğlu, the UN Special Coordinator for Afghanistan, and Amir Khan Muttaqi, the Taliban's Foreign Minister, concerning the Doha meeting.

The Taliban are yet to decide on their participation, pending a better understanding of the meeting's agenda and participant lineup, as per the ministry's statement.

During Monday's dialogue, as relayed by the Taliban's Foreign Ministry citing Feridun Sinirlioğlu, there is a consensus on the Taliban's participation in the Doha meeting.

The Doha gathering is designed for thorough engagement with Afghanistan, facilitating an ongoing dialogue process, as highlighted by the UN Special Coordinator.

Muttaqi, in his capacity as the Foreign Minister, emphasised on the redundancy of appointing another UN special representative, given UNAMA's active involvement in Afghanistan.

In the ministry's release, Sinirlioğlu's independent propositions included bolstering diplomatic presences in Kabul, removing sanctions on the Afghan central bank, and launching development and technical assistance for Afghanistan.

The anticipated Doha meeting, set for February 19 and 20, has invited diverse participants to discuss Afghanistan's future.

Despite the Taliban's acknowledgment of an invitation to this meeting, opposition groups have expressed discontent over the UN's lack of consultation with them.

Moreover, an open letter from Afghan women activists to the UN calls for the inclusion of female representatives at the Doha meeting.