Latest News
Talks team deadlock broken, as both sides agree to initial roadmap
In a major step forward, the talks teams for the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan and the Taliban have agreed on four key issues as the basis for talks going forward.
This comes after a deadlock of more than a month, following the start of talks on September 12 in Doha.
According to sources in Doha, the two sides agreed to include the US-Taliban deal, UN endorsements for Afghan peace process, the will of the Afghan people and commitments of the negotiating teams as the foundation of talks going forward.
“We do not underestimate these challenges, no matter how difficult they may be. But we have reason not to be disappointed. For all our differences, the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan is committed to a positive approach to peace,” said Sayed Sadat Mansour Naderi, minister of peace affairs.
The negotiating team of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan says that the two negotiating parties will announce their declarations of agreement and the finalization of the procedure.
On the other hand, the head of the negotiating team of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan Massom Stanikzai says that the Taliban’s lack of flexibility has made the path to peace difficult.
“Unfortunately, the Taliban’s short-sightedness has made this difficult. Continuing meaningful dialogue to reach a common vision is the shortest way to peace. This fact requires patience, caution and public consensus,” said Stanikzai.
The head of the negotiating team of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan has been in Kabul for the past few days to consult with the leadership of the government and to get the final approval of the negotiating council of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan.
The delegation is optimistic that progress in the Doha talks will pave the way for a ceasefire sooner rather than later.
“Ending the violence during the talks is the first proposal ordered to build public confidence. Recently, when the talks began, the Afghan people witnessed a dramatic increase in violence,” said Fawzia Kofi, a member of the negotiating team.
It is however not yet clear whether the delegations will negotiate on a ceasefire first, once talks get underway, or on the future of a political system.
As much as the Afghan Republic’s team want to focus on a ceasefire, the Taliban want the political future to be the starting point.
Latest News
India condemns Pakistani airstrikes on Afghanistan
The Indian Ministry of External Affairs has condemned recent airstrikes by Pakistan on Afghanistan’s territory.
In a statement, Ministry spokesperson Shri Randhir Jaiswal said the attacks resulted in the deaths of several civilians and the destruction of civilian infrastructure.
He described the strikes as yet another act of aggression by Pakistan, which continues to oppose the idea of an independent Afghanistan.
India reiterated that Afghanistan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity must be fully respected.
Latest News
14 Pakistani soldiers killed after military post falls along Durand line: MoD
The statement added that Afghan forces destroyed one armored tank and a military vehicle belonging to Pakistani troops during the fighting.
Afghanistan’s Ministry of Defense announced Saturday that Afghan defensive forces captured a Pakistani military post along the Durand Line in eastern Afghanistan following clashes between the two sides.
In a statement, the ministry said the operation was launched in response to what it described as “crimes of the Pakistani military regime” in border areas of Kunar and Nangarhar provinces.
According to the ministry, 14 Pakistani soldiers were killed and 11 others wounded during the operation.
The statement added that Afghan forces destroyed one armored tank and a military vehicle belonging to Pakistani troops during the fighting.
Defense officials emphasized that Afghanistan’s forces remain prepared to respond to any threats along the Durand Line.
Latest News
UN Security Council to vote on extension of UNAMA mission in Afghanistan
The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan has previously criticized UNAMA’s activities, claiming that the mission’s reports misrepresent the situation in Afghanistan.
The United Nations Security Council is set to vote on Monday regarding the extension of the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA), with a draft resolution proposing a three-month extension until June 17.
The debate over the mission’s extension has divided key members of the Council. China initially called for a one-year extension, while the United States has advocated for a shorter duration. The U.S. position is based on the belief that a three-month extension would allow the Council to conduct a comprehensive review of UNAMA’s mandate before committing to a longer-term renewal.
A statement from the Security Council explained that Washington views this as an opportunity to reassess the mission’s appropriateness and effectiveness. “This mission is one of the most costly political special missions of the United Nations and operates in a highly complex environment. Therefore, the Council needs to assess whether the mission remains appropriate and effective,” the statement read.
The draft resolution also emphasizes growing concerns about human rights in Afghanistan, particularly the ongoing restrictions placed on women and girls. It calls on the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan to lift these limitations and stresses the need for continued support in areas such as development, counterterrorism, and mine clearance. UNAMA’s field presence is also considered vital for providing critical humanitarian support and monitoring developments on the ground.
The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan has previously criticized UNAMA’s activities, claiming that the mission’s reports misrepresent the situation in Afghanistan, painting a negative and misleading image to the international community. As the vote approaches, the future of the mission—and its ability to effectively address Afghanistan’s ongoing challenges—hangs in the balance.
-
Sport3 days agoAfghanistan’s white-ball series against Sri Lanka postponed
-
Latest News1 day agoAfghan airstrikes target Pakistani military sites in retaliation for air attacks
-
Latest News5 days agoRussia, China and UK urge Afghanistan and Pakistan to resolve issues through dialogue
-
Latest News4 days agoTrump envoy warns Afghanistan could face fate similar to Iran or Venezuela over detained Americans
-
Latest News4 days agoReports about closure of IEA’s Doha office denied
-
Latest News1 day agoIEA condemns Pakistan’s airstrikes in several Afghan provinces
-
Regional5 days agoIran says oil blockade will continue until attacks end, Trump threatens to hit harder
-
Business3 days agoUzbekistan ratifies preferential trade agreement with Afghanistan
