Blinken Assures Ghani of Washington's Commitment to Afghanistan
In the wake of the Taliban's control of Afghani lands, after the withdrawal of foreign and Western forces, the US Secretary of State confirms Washington's permanent commitment to Afghanistan.
In the wake of the Taliban's control of Afghani lands, after the withdrawal of foreign and Western forces, the US Secretary of State confirms Washington's permanent commitment to Afghanistan.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken affirmed, during a telephone conversation with Afghan President Ashraf Ghani "the United States' strong and enduring commitment to Afghanistan."
Both parties stressed the necessity of speeding up peace negotiations and achieving a comprehensive political settlement that "respects the rights of all Afghans, including women and minorities, allows the Afghan people to choose their leaders, and prevents Afghanistan from being a threat to the United States, its allies and partners."
The two sides also condemned the ongoing Taliban attacks, which "show no regard for life and human rights."
Ghani had earlier accused the Taliban of fomenting sedition by insisting on war, and not entering into serious negotiations.
He also held Washington responsible for the deteriorating security situation in his country.
Simultaneously, an explosion rocked the capital, Kabul today after four suicide bombers entered a house near the Minister of Defense at a time when the Taliban continues its control over three regional capitals.
The United States reported war crimes committed by the Taliban today in the Spin Boldak border region with Pakistan after having control over it.
During a press conference, US State Department spokesman Ned Price held the Taliban responsible for perpetrating "horrific and brutal acts of violence."
The statement follows the Afghan Ministry of Defense's announcement today that reported the death of 70 Taliban fighters in the Lashkar Gah battles, the capital of Helmand Province.
It also announced airstrikes targeting the movement's positions on the outskirts of the city.
US President Joe Biden set August 31 as the deadline for the complete withdrawal of US forces, in a time that precedes his country's commemoration of the 20th anniversary of the September 11 attacks, which is the alibi behind the US forces in Afghanistan.