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US-Taliban Peace Talks will be inconclusive without a ceasefire: ARG
Afghan Presidential Office says there have not been any improvements in talks about ‘ceasefire’ and/or ‘reduction of violence’ between the US and the Taliban delegations for peace talks.
Sediq Seddiqi, the presidential spokesperson, says that the Taliban should have gone to Duha with a ‘ceasefire’ strategy because the reduction of violence does not hold any logic, legal and military sense, and does not have a practical aspect.
Peace Talks are in a strategic stage. On the condition of signing the agreement, the Taliban have submitted their will to the US to reduce violence. The USA, the European Union, and the UN have all agreed on the reduction of violence from the Taliban. However, the presidential office in Kabul considers ‘reduction of violence’ as baseless, and it wants the Taliban to declare a full ceasefire.
Hajji Deen Mohammad, deputy to the peace council, says, “In order to head start the negotiation and break the deadlock, the government is right to emphasize on ceasefire. However, there should always be open doors to negotiation. It shouldn’t be on hold.”
The Office of Chief Executive, on the other hand, is not on the same page with the government – it agrees with ‘reduction in violence’ to continue peace talks.
Some political experts believe that the government’s position regarding the preconditions may affect the progression of the peace talks.
Ahmadullah Alizai, head of the New Foundation Party of Afghanistan, says, “The neighboring and the International Community have agreed on bringing peace; the government should not stand against it.”
In the meantime, the internal security commission of the Afghan parliament has also asked all the parties involved, especially the Afghan government, to be flexible. Fida Mohammad Ulfat Salih, head of the internal security commission of the Afghan parliament, says, “I am sure once the negotiations proceed, one of the parties will become flexible, and we will reach to what we want.”
Now, the question is, what will be the consequences, if the opportunity to reach peace is lost because of the differences?
Khan Agha Rezai, a member of the internal security commission of the Afghan parliament, says, “If the peace talks end inconclusively, we will see cities getting out of the government’s rule, and there will be more insecurity.”
Meanwhile, the Afghan presidential office underscores that it will not agree with only ‘reduction of violence’ – ‘ceasefire’ is the condition.
Sediq Seddiqi, the presidential spokesperson, says, “All of our allies, the European Union in particular, in their meetings with the president of Afghanistan, have defended the position of the Afghan people, which is ceasefire and a ‘once and for all’ end to the war.”
The US talks with the Taliban have been considered as an opportunity to put an end to the war in Afghanistan. However, since the beginning of the talks, Kabul and Washington have had differences in several areas.
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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