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US reviewing possibility to reopen its consulate in Afghanistan
The United States is reviewing the possibility of reopening its consulate in Afghanistan under the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (IEA) rule without formally recognizing the acting government, according to a report.
According to a newly released strategy document from the State Department, the US is “cautiously” and without officially recognizing the Islamic Emirate, reviewing the possibility of reopening its consulate in Afghanistan under the IEA’s control, as reported by the Voice of America on Thursday.
This move indicates a possible change in U.S. policy, moving towards limited engagement with the isolated IEA government to achieve various security, political, and economic objectives.
According to Voice of America, the State Department’s guidance in this report states: “We support transparency and accountability, along with access for American citizens to consular services, in coordination with the Taliban [Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan].”
In this State Department report, it is stated: “Even as the United States does not officially recognize the Taliban [Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan] as the legitimate government of Afghanistan, we must establish effective working relationships with them to advance our goals and increase our understanding of the Taliban’s readiness and ability to fulfil their commitments to [Washington].”
According to the report, the US’s new strategy encompasses four areas, including counterterrorism efforts, economic assistance, local engagement, and the provision of consular services to American citizens, as well as aiding Afghan migration to the United States.
The document also emphasizes support for the work of the U.S. Special Envoy for Hostage Affairs in securing the release of American hostages detained in Afghanistan.
Voice of America also reports that the document underscores the United States’ commitment to discussing the fundamental rights of the Afghan people, particularly the rights of women and girls.
Following the fall of the Republic and the IEA’s takeover, the United States closed its embassy in Afghanistan, and this institution currently operates under its staff in Doha.
At the same time, the spokesperson of the US Foreign Secretary said in a press conference in Washington that whenever the rulers of Afghanistan want to achieve global legitimacy, they must stop the violence and fulfill their international obligations.
“As we have said on behalf of the United States to the Taliban [Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan] in public and in private, their relationship with the international community depends entirely on their actions, and we will be looking to see them take a different course of action than they have to date,” said Matthew Miller, spokesman for the US State Department.
Meanwhile, IEA’s spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said that any country, including America, who wants to resume its diplomatic activities in Afghanistan, welcomes it and is ready to cooperate in this direction.
“If we are contacted, we will take our measures, security is ensured, every country that activates its embassy and consulate in Afghanistan has a favorable environment for it, and we do not have any problems, and it is still getting better that both countries have a close understanding and contact through diplomatic channels, and it will end in the benefit of both countries,” said Zabihullah Mujahid, the spokesman of the Islamic Emirate.
This strategic document of the US Ministry of Foreign Affairs reveals the reopening of that country’s consulate in Afghanistan, while no country has recognized the current government of Afghanistan.
However, the Islamic Emirate has repeatedly emphasized that it has completed all the conditions for recognition, but countries and the international community are looking for excuses.
Amir Khan Muttaqi, the Foreign Minister of the Islamic Emirate, held a telephone conversation with Rosemary DiCarlo, the United Nations Deputy Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs.
According to a statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the discussion covered assistance to victims of the recent earthquake in the country and returning migrants, the situation in Afghanistan and the region, humanitarian cooperation, the economic situation, counter-narcotics efforts, and working groups related to the private sector.
Muttaqi thanked DiCarlo for her sympathy and assistance to the earthquake victims, and noted that although more than two million migrants returned to Afghanistan over the past year, the Islamic Emirate managed their return in an appropriate manner.
Referring to the issue of refugees, Muttaqi said that humanitarian matters should not be tied to politics, but unfortunately this is often the case in practice.
He assured that Afghanistan is moving in a positive direction in the political, security, administrative, and economic sectors, and that with the exception of one country—Afghanistan’s relations with regional and neighboring countries have expanded and continue to improve.
Regarding the work of UN agencies and the two working groups on “supporting the private sector” and “counter-narcotics,” the Foreign Minister said that IEA has provided suitable conditions for international organizations to operate and has enabled their access to all parts of the country; however, he added that UN agencies still need to carry out more practical work in this area.
Rosemary DiCarlo thanked him for the opportunity for the telephone conversation and for the information provided, and emphasized that proper and humane conditions must be ensured for returning migrants.
She added that they are actively engaging with various parties to provide assistance to earthquake victims and returning migrants, and praised IEA for its effective management of the returnees and its successful counter-narcotics efforts.
She assured that the Office of the UN Secretary-General has not halted its efforts to increase political engagement with Afghanistan through member states and relevant partners.
In the conversation, DiCarlo also called for greater cooperation by IEA with the staff of UN agencies in Afghanistan.
The seventh meeting of special representatives of the European Union and Central Asian countries on Afghanistan was held in Brussels, the capital of Belgium.
In this meeting, the Central Asian countries described stability in Afghanistan as important for the states of the region and emphasized continued dialogue, regional connectivity, and humanitarian support for the people of Afghanistan.
According to a statement from Turkmenistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, representatives of the Central Asian countries said at the meeting that sustainable development in Afghanistan is a key prerequisite for regional stability, and that the best way to achieve this goal is through economic integration, expansion of humanitarian cooperation, and implementation of infrastructure projects in Afghanistan.
The statement from Turkmenistan’s foreign ministry added: “Participants discussed current issues related to sustainable development, regional connectivity, humanitarian support, and practical frameworks for engaging with Afghanistan in pursuit of stability and prosperity for the people of the region. On the humanitarian front, Turkmenistan continues to provide assistance to the people of Afghanistan.”
At the meeting, Turkmenistan also pledged to continue its assistance to Afghanistan—from supplying electricity and essential goods to expanding educational opportunities.
However, some experts view the expansion of regional engagement with Afghanistan as important.
The joint EU–Central Asia meetings on Afghanistan began in recent years with the aim of strengthening regional cooperation, and seven rounds have been held so far.
Shahabuddin Delawar, Director General of the Afghan Red Crescent Society, said during a visit to Samangan while distributing cash assistance of 10,500 AFN to 300 earthquake-affected families in the Feroz Nakhchir district of the province: “We share in your sorrow and hardship.”
Delawar added that 10,500 AFN will also be distributed to 200 families in the Hazrat Sultan district of the province.
He stated that 50,000 AFN will be distributed by the Red Crescent to the families of the martyrs as well.
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