UN Chief Ready for Discussions with Taliban
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United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres declares his readiness to hold discussions with the leaders of the Taliban "when it is clear with whom should I speak, for what purpose," hoping for an 'inclusive' government in Afghanistan.
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United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres
Antonio Guterres, the United Nations Secretary-General, held a press conference at the United Nations Headquarters, New York, in which he discussed the latest Afghan developments.
"I'm ready to speak to the Taliban," Guterres said, expressing his hope for the formation of an 'inclusive' government in Afghanistan.
"I'm ready to speak [with the Taliban] myself when it is clear with whom should I speak, for what purpose," he added.
Guterres revealed he never spoke with the Taliban himself, declaring that UN staff in Afghanistan are in close contact with the movement and are "very strongly conveying that message" of respect for human rights and preventing the use of the territory by terrorists.
Guterres also revealed that he held a phone call with Qatari Foreign Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani. "We are following the Qatar Initiative and supporting it," he said. "Let's hope that there will be a way for an inclusive government in Afghanistan."
Answering questions regarding the United Nations' readiness to run the Kabul airport, Guterres said, "I don't think the UN is asking, and I don't think we have the capacity to run an airport."
"We can cooperate, obviously, with all the parties if our presence is considered useful," he added.
Apropos the need for a new United Nations Security Council Mandate, Guterres said: "I think it's very important the international community to be united and to have a common front in discussion with the Taliban for these conditions to take place," continuing to say that if these conditions were successful, there is a perspective for a renewal of the United Nations mandate.
On Sunday, the Taliban captured Kabul, prompting Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani to flee the country and seek refuge in the UAE.
Since May, when the United States started its withdrawal from Afghanistan, which is scheduled to end by August 31, the Taliban began expanding its scope in the country.
Yesterday, a prominent Taliban official told Reuters Afghanistan may be governed by a ruling council.
Last Sunday, a Taliban official said that the movement would soon declare the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan from the presidential palace in Kabul.
