The UN deputy special envoy for Afghanistan, Markus Potzel, has called for national dialogue and the formation of inclusive government in Afghanistan.
In an interview with Tolonews, he made this statement and encouraged the de facto government to uphold its commitments to the international community.
“Both inclusive government to reflect the different ethnic groups of Afghanistan, and the Taliban should also fulfil their international pledges,” Potzel said.
He also added that without respecting women’s rights, and different ethnic groups, it would not be possible for countries to recognize the Taliban regime.
“Recognition is the issue of the member states. The member states recognize them, but at the moment, it is nearly impossible to imagine that any country will recognize the Taliban given the policy directed against women and girls,” Potzel.
“We, as UNAMA as the UN, engage with the Taliban daily, and so do other members of the international community, but so far, we have not seen any indication that the Taliban will change course. On the contrary, I think the course they have taken, a discriminatory course, has widened the gap between Afghanistan and the international community,” Potzel said.
Since the Taliban took control of power in August 2021, they introduced suppressive policies restricting women’s rights, including education and work.
Despite massive criticism, the group still needs to pay attention to commitments that the international community conditioned.
However, the Taliban authorities have said earlier that there is no need for national dialogue in Afghanistan, and their government is inclusive enough.
