US favours engagement with IEA despite concerns: West  

KABUL (Pajhwok): The United States has evinced an interest in engagement with the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (IEA) despite having reservations about its policies.

In an interview with a private broadcaster, the US special envoy for Afghanistan said the caretaker government had not taken significant steps towards normalisation.

TOLOnews quoted Thomas West as saying the US had concerns about the interim government’s policies towards Afghans.

The IEA did not have a permanent representative at the UN and formal links with international financial institutions, he noted.

West added the Afghan rulers did not have access to the country’s frozen assets abroad. “I do not envision that we will budge on any of these issues until they make more responsible decisions.”

Despite its concerns about the current government’s policies toward the Afghan people, the US desired to engage with them, he explained.

“We do favour a policy of engagement, that is why I met Taliban leaders in December,” he argued, indicating future meetings with IEA representatives on American interests in Afghanistan.

The diplomat pleaded for frank negotiations among Afghans on the future of the country, its constitution and fundamental rights of the people.

On the other hand, the caretaker government insisted it had initiated effective measures to maintain relations with the US.

IEA spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid blamed the US for seeking excuses for preventing the normalisation of bilateral relations.

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