FM Muttaqi hints at non-participation in Doha meeting

KABUL (Pajhwok): Acting Foreign Minister Ameer Khan Muttaqi has hinted at non-participation in the upcoming UN-led Doha meeting if the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (IEA) position is not considered seriously, according to a statement on Wednesday.

During a meeting with Russian Ambassador to Afghanistan Dmitry Zhirnov, Muttaqi said: “If IEA conditions are not taken into consideration, non-participation would be preferred, thus dialogue with all Doha meeting participants in ongoing.”

Abdul Qahar Balkh, spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, on his Twitter handle wrote: “If there is an opportunity for high-level meaningful consultations between IEA and UN regarding all issues of Afghanistan, & the IEA is able to duly fulfill its responsibility as representative of Afghanistan, then Doha meeting would be a good opportunity.”

The meeting also underlined bilateral relations between Afghanistan and Russia. The Russian ambassador said that he understood position of the Afghan government & will convey it Moscow.

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