Taliban Sought Recognition As Precondition To Joining Doha Meet, Says UN Chief

At the end of the second day of the Doha conference on Afghanistan, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres stated in Qatar that the UN aims for a peaceful Afghanistan.

He stressed on the importance of Afghanistan's role in the international community.

Guterres revealed that he received a letter from the Taliban with "unacceptable" demands before the Doha meeting. This letter sought to limit the UN's engagement with other Afghan representatives.

He noted the Taliban's failure to address global concerns yet expecting recognition. This stance, according to Guterres, has stalled resolution of the Afghan situation. He highlighted the deteriorating conditions for Afghan women, unresolved terrorism, and the lack of an inclusive government.

He emphasised that Afghanistan must not become a terrorist haven and called for a government that represents all ethnicities.

Guterres also said the voices of all Afghan society segments, beyond the Taliban, need to be heard. He regretted Russia's absence from an Afghan civil society meeting and disagreed with Moscow's position.

Describing the second Doha meeting as beneficial, Guterres noted that the Taliban's absence didn't detract from its success. He praised the constructive nature of discussions with special representatives, which reached a consensus on major issues.

Guterres announced plans for a third Doha meeting on Afghanistan and immediate consultations for a new UN representative. He proposed that this representative should provide a lasting framework for Afghan issues.