US renews call for political settlement in Afghanistan

KABUL (Pajhwok): US special envoy Zalmay Khalilzad has reiterated the need for a political settlement for durable peace in Afghanistan.

In an interview, the US diplomat, who is currently on a swing through the region, insisted there was no military solution to decades of conflict in Afghanistan.

Speaking to Hindustan Times, Khalilzad said: “It has been made clear to the Taliban that not only ourselves, but many countries in the region and beyond will not recognise the government that takes power by force.”

The United States would continue to support the Afghan government, security forces and people even after the troop withdrawal, the envoy promised.

The Biden administration has sought $3.3 billion in assistance for the Afghan security forces, he said, pledging continued economic and humanitarian support to the country.

There are fears in the region that the Taliban, continuing with their relentless onslaught, could take over the entire country by force.

Addressing a news conference in Tashkent on Friday, the envoy tended to duck questions regarding the Afghan government’s allegation that the Pakistan Air Force was aiding the Taliban.

PAN Monitor/mud

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