Govt delegates meet Afghan civil society leaders in Oslo

KABUL (Pajhwok): Government delegates and Afghan civil society members have held discussions in Oslo on the current situation in the country.

Led by Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi, the government team is due to enter talks with Western diplomats today (Monday).

US special envoy for Afghanistan Thomas West hailed Norway’s initiative to arrange a meeting between the Islamic Emirate delegation and Afghan civil society leaders.

Currently in the Norwegian capital, West tweeted: “Welcome our hosts’ initiative to bring Afghan civil society and Taliban together for dialogue.”

The envoy wrote: “We will continue clear-eyed diplomacy with the Taliban regarding our concerns and our abiding interest in a stable, rights-respecting and inclusive Afghanistan.”

At the closed-door meeting on Sunday, the participants agreed that talks offered solutions to the problems being faced by Afghanistan.

After the talks, government spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said the participants agreed Afghanistan was home to all Afghans.

He added the two sides believed the Afghans should work together for improved political, economic and security situation in the country.

Later in the day, the Muttaqi-led delegation is to meet representatives of Western countries on Afghanistan’s humanitarian crisis and human rights.

In their meeting with representatives of the US, France, Britain, Germany, Italy, the European Union and Norway, the Taliban are likely to seek the recognition of their government and the release of Afghanistan’s frozen funds.

Afghanistan’s grave humanitarian situation, economic crisis, girls’ education and women’s rights will dominate the meeting agenda.

PAN Monitor/mud

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