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Government: Intra-Afghan talks’ negotiating team has been formed
The presidential palace says that the work of forming the delegation for intra-Afghan dialogue has been finished; officials say the delay was because some discussions and consultations had to be made.
The intra-Afghan talks should have been commenced four days back. The government just reported the completion of the negotiating delegation, noting that once the Taliban are ready to negotiate, the names on the list will be pronounced.
Durani Waziri, the deputy spokesperson of the president, says, “The government of Afghanistan has finalized the negotiating team. Whenever the Taliban are ready to talk to the Afghan government directly, the list will be revealed.”
In the meantime, some former Taliban members say that delay in introducing the negotiating team can affect the process of the peace talks.
Sayed Akbar Agha, a Taliban former veteran, said, “Abdullah and Ghani have said that they would introduce separate delegations each, which I think will both be rejected by the Taliban.” According to him, this problem could put off the intra-Afghan dialogues.
Members of the National Council point out the tensions inside the government as the main cause of the delay.
Iqbal Safi, a member of the Parliament, says that some political movements who used to welcome the peace process in the first place, left the idea behind after the presidential inauguration took place. He adds that now if the government introduces a delegation without their consultation, they will come forward again and object questioning the inclusivity.
Abdullah Qarloq, a senator, says that unless there are political consensus and a domestic agreement, the situation will not change, the peace process and the intra-Afghan talks will be affected.
On the other hand, Najia Anwari, the spokesperson of State Ministry for Peace, says, “Final round of consultations with the politicians is in progress. We are trying to act responsibly in finalizing the team so that an all-inclusive and capable delegation by the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan takes part in the dialogues.”
It is noteworthy that the 6-member team, that had been sent to Duha of Qatar, to talk to the Taliban, have returned back home without making any successful contacts.
A 6.1-magnitude earthquake struck Afghanistan on Saturday afternoon, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS).
The quake’s epicenter was reported in Jurm district of Badakhshan province, with a depth of 208.3 kilometers.
So far, there have been no immediate reports of casualties or damage following the tremor.
Shahabuddin Delawar, Head of the Commission for Contact with Afghan Personalities, says Afghanistan has achieved security, unified governance, brotherhood, and progress for the first time in 47 years under the administration of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (IEA).
Speaking at a meeting in Kabul on Saturday, Delawar said Afghanistan had lacked a unified system over the past four decades, but added that with the return of the Islamic Emirate, the issue has now been resolved.
Referring to Ashura commemorations held on Friday, he said the occasion was observed peacefully across the country under full security.
Delawar also urged exiled Afghan politicians to return, saying the commission was established to serve Afghans and address the concerns of returning figures. He added that any legal disputes involving returnees would be handled exclusively through the commission.
He further said the Islamic Emirate has expanded treatment centers and intensified anti-narcotics efforts since regaining power, claiming this has led to a significant decline in drug addiction.
Addressing the issue of international legitimacy, Delawar said he understood why the United States has not recognized the Islamic Emirate, arguing that Washington suffered a defeat in Afghanistan that it cannot easily overlook.
“They have suffered a major defeat that they cannot forget; if they recognize us, they will face questions from their own people,” Delawar said.
The European Union says it is implementing hundreds of millions of euros in projects to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Afghanistan and help expand economic opportunities across the country.
Speaking to Ariana News, EU Chargé d’Affaires in Kabul, Veronika Boskovic Pohar, said the programs are aimed at creating jobs for skilled workers, women, youth, and returnees, while also strengthening the private sector. She added that alongside international support, Afghan authorities also have a role in facilitating economic growth.
According to Pohar, the EU is currently implementing projects worth €156 million focused on livelihoods, durable solutions, job creation, and women’s economic empowerment. She said an additional €40 million program specifically designed to support returnees will be launched in the near future.
She noted that the EU is gradually shifting its focus from emergency humanitarian aid toward long-term sustainable solutions, particularly for internally displaced people and returnees in Afghanistan.
Meanwhile, the United Nations, marking World Day of Small and Medium Enterprises, said SMEs account for more than 90 percent of businesses worldwide and play a critical role in employment and economic growth.
UN spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric stressed that stronger investment, innovation, and sustainable industrial development are essential to help businesses withstand economic challenges and build resilient economies.
Afghan private sector representatives and economic analysts say greater support for SMEs could help the country address economic challenges faster, increase employment, and promote sustainable long-term development.
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