Afghans are opposed to armed conflict: US envoy

Afghans are opposed to armed conflict and they support dialogue as a solution to the country’s challenges, US special envoy Thomas West said on Saturday.

West said this after attending the Afghan Future Thought Forum’s gathering in Doha on Friday. The Forum convenes a dynamic mix of Afghan women and men from diverse backgrounds: economists, rights activists, former ministers, and tribal elders.

“I heard both condemnation and support for Taliban conduct and different recommendations for how the intl community should address challenges. But every Afghan participant voiced support for dialogue and opposition to armed conflict as a solution to the country’s challenges,” West said on Twitter.

West began his tour to the region including Qatar, UAE and Turkey on Tuesday.

According to the US State Department, West is conducting outreach in the region to secure input as the international community seeks solutions to Afghanistan’s challenges.

In Doha, the diplomat met also with Qatar’s Prime Minister Sheik Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani and its Special Envoy for Conflict Resolution Mutlaq Al-Qahtani regarding the way ahead in Afghanistan.

“Qatar is a crucial partner as we seek to protect US interests, support the Afghan people & defend their rights,” West said.