Islamabad [Pakistan], February 18: Afghanistan's de facto authorities on Saturday announced that Kabul will not participate in the upcoming Doha meeting led by United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.
In a statement, the Taliban's Foreign Ministry said the reason for this decision was the UN's failure to accept their conditions. The Taliban have asked the UN to be recognized "as the sole official representative of Afghanistan" and to pave the ground for holding "frank talks" between the Taliban delegation and the UN about all issues on a very senior level.
The objective of the two-day meeting, where special envoys of various countries for Afghanistan are expected to gather on Sunday, is to discuss how to approach increasing international engagement in Afghanistan, according to the UN. Afghan women and civil society representatives are also expected to attend the meeting.
Rights groups urged the UN to ensure women's rights are central to all discussions.
In December, the UN Security Council adopted a resolution requesting the UN secretary-general to appoint a special envoy for Afghanistan.
The Taliban opposed the possible appointment of a UN envoy, reasoning that there is no need for another special envoy given the presence of the UN diplomatic mission in Kabul. Since returning to power, the Taliban have rejected calls for the formation of an "inclusive government" and to ensure women's rights to education and work.
Source: Qatar Tribune