Karen Decker, the Chargé d'Affaires of the US Embassy for Afghanistan, stated that during the Doha meeting, the Taliban informed world representatives that the current situation in Afghanistan is what the Afghan people desired.
Decker emphasised that Afghans now need to clarify whether the Taliban regime is indeed what they want.
On Monday, during a press briefing, Decker noted that the primary concern for representatives from 25 countries and three regional organisations at the Doha meeting was the rights of Afghan women and girls.
She highlighted that the issue of women’s rights was central to all discussions at the Doha meeting, with all representatives warning that Afghanistan would not succeed by excluding half of its population.
According to Decker, Zabihullah Mujahid, the trusted spokesperson for the Taliban leader working from Kandahar, "heard from all representatives that Afghanistan cannot succeed by excluding half of its population”.
The US diplomat referred to Mujahid as a "very important person" in the Taliban government during this meeting.
At the meeting, the Taliban emphasised on lifting sanctions and providing developmental aid.
Decker pointed out that lifting sanctions and releasing Afghanistan's currency reserves are among the Taliban's demands. However, she stressed that the international community has not responded positively to any of these demands.
In response to a question from Afghanistan International about why the US and the international community are not applying the necessary pressure to change the situation in Afghanistan, Decker said, "There is already immense pressure on the Taliban."
Decker added that they have consistently highlighted the Taliban's human rights record in various meetings and stated that Afghanistan cannot join the international community unless the Taliban fulfil their international obligations.
She mentioned that one of these obligations is allowing girls and women to attend school and ensuring their right to work.
In response to criticism about providing humanitarian aid to Afghanistan under Taliban control, Decker said that the US does not want to use food as a weapon.
The US Embassy Chargé d'Affaires for Afghanistan stated that the international community defended the rights of Afghans in the third Doha meeting and has not retreated from its stance on the Taliban since this meeting.
Decker noted that the Taliban have significant demands, such as the recognition of their government.
Quoting 25 representatives present at the third Doha meeting, Decker said all ambassadors told the Taliban that Afghanistan's problem is "multi-faceted" and that lifting sanctions alone would not improve the country's situation.
She said that all representatives, especially regional ambassadors, emphasised on the formation of an inclusive government, transparency, and human rights in Afghanistan.
Fourth Doha Meeting
The US Embassy Chargé d'Affaires announced that the fourth round of the Doha process is imminent, but many discussions need to occur before a significant meeting can be held.
Decker stated that the world judges the Taliban based on their actions, not their words.
She pointed out that nothing has happened in practice that would lead to the lifting of sanctions or the integration of the Taliban administration into the global order.
Decker said that Afghanistan's problems are very complex, and to address them, the United Nations intends to appoint a special representative. She emphasised that the appointment of a UN special representative remains a strong consideration.
