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US special envoy notes a $2 billion shortfall in aid to Afghanistan this year

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Last Updated on: August 3, 2023

The US special representative for Afghanistan says this year, foreign aid to Afghanistan is considerably less – a “shortfall” of $2 billion. 

In an interview with BBC, Thomas West said: “Our judgment is that in this year, 2023, we face a roughly $2 billion hole, a shortfall in the assistance that needs to be delivered in order to meet the most urgent needs of Afghans, in order to keep the currency stable, in order to help to keep the economy relatively liquid.”

“Now that assistance, that $2 billion, it doesn’t just come from the United States.  It would need to come from some of our closest like-minded partners as well.  And collectively I think there is a deep concern that that assistance cannot and should not be delivered absent a significant change in the Taliban’s conduct,” he said.

West’s comments come amid talks between the IEA and the US in Doha.

Zabihullah Mujahid, the IEA’s spokesman, meanwhile said that the West, especially the US, should not politicize the humanitarian crisis and the aid needed by millions of people in the country.

“Yes, we also feel that there are economic problems all over the world. Some of the problems that have arisen in the world, but the people of Afghanistan need cooperation. The aid given to the people of Afghanistan should be done based on human spirit. And it should not be related to political issues, secondly, we are also trying to revive our resources inside and will not need the help of the world forever,” said Mujahid.

Meanwhile, Acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi emphasized before the start of the talks with the American delegation in Doha that applying pressure and sanctions on the Islamic Emirate will not work and that Washington should rather engage with the IEA in the form of dialogue.

 

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Afghanistan now has unified central government: IEA defense minister

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Mohammad Yaqoob Mujahid, the Minister of Defense of the Islamic Emirate, says that Afghanistan currently has a unified central government, and that no groups engaging in destructive activities are present in the country. He added that they will not allow anyone to undermine the country’s security.

According to a statement issued by the Ministry of Defense, Mujahid made these remarks at a graduation ceremony for commandos of the Special Forces Division. The ceremony was attended by Khalifa Sirajuddin Haqqani, the Minister of Interior; several cabinet ministers; foreign ambassadors and military attachés; special representatives; and a number of officials and military personnel.

Addressing the commandos, Yaqoob Mujahid said: “In the service you perform, make the pleasure of Almighty Allah your sole intention, because Almighty Allah will reward you for such an intention in this world and the hereafter. There is now a unified central government in the country, and no groups engaging in destructive activities are present. We will also not allow anyone to undermine security.”

He also added: “I assure our people that these forces will defend the lives, property, and territory of their beloved country with full courage and wisdom. I tell all foreign countries that Afghanistan is now secure, and there is no enemy in this country, whether from within or outside, that poses a threat to others.”

At the ceremony, Khalifa Sirajuddin Haqqani also said: “For half a century, Afghanistan did not have an independent army. However, now, it has an organized army and other security forces. You are not a ceremonial army, nor do you operate to serve the interests of others; rather, you are an organized and independent army. Although we may be materially weak, we are stronger than others in terms of morale and spirituality. We must maintain high morale, avoid acting emotionally in military affairs, and respond to the enemy at the appropriate time. We are not a threat to anyone; rather, we are defenders of our own land.”

It is worth noting that 1,000 young commandos of the Special Forces Division of the Ministry of Defense graduated from the eighth training course after completing six months of professional, ideological, and commando training.

During the ceremony, the graduating commandos, in cooperation with the Air Force, demonstrated coordinated practical and military exercises using various types of unmanned aircraft.

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Baradar approves action plan for establishing special economic zones

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The action plan for establishing special economic zones across the country was approved on Wednesday by Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar, Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs.

According to a decree issued by the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Emirate, these special economic zones will be established in the provinces of Kabul, Balkh, Nangarhar, Kandahar, Herat, Paktia, and Kunduz.

Under the plan, the Ministry of Industry and Commerce, in cooperation with other relevant ministries and government agencies, will identify the land required for these zones, determine the necessary sectoral activities and services, and create the conditions needed to attract investment.

The establishment of these special economic zones is aimed at attracting new investments, achieving a relative balance between exports and imports, and expanding production activities in a suitable environment, paving the way for a new phase of economic development in the country.

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Russian deputy prime minister to visit Kabul with high-level economic delegation

The visit aims to strengthen economic and trade relations between Afghanistan and Russia, explore investment opportunities and discuss potential joint economic projects.

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Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexei Overchuk is scheduled to visit Kabul on Thursday, leading a high-level economic delegation, Afghanistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has announced.

According to a statement by the ministry, the visit aims to strengthen economic and trade relations between Afghanistan and Russia, explore investment opportunities and discuss potential joint economic projects.

The visit is expected to provide an opportunity for officials from both countries to discuss ways of expanding bilateral economic cooperation and identifying new areas for trade and investment.

The ministry did not provide further details about the delegation’s programme or the specific projects expected to be discussed during the visit.

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