US issues new general license on Afghanistan financial transactions

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The US approved a new general license allowing certain transactions with Afghan government agencies.

The text of the general license said: "To the extent authorization is required and except as provided in paragraph (b) of this general license, all transactions involving Afghanistan or governing institutions in Afghanistan prohibited by the Global Terrorism Sanctions Regulations… are authorized."

At the same time, the general license prohibits cash transfers to the Taliban or the Haqqani Network, which are both subject to UN sanctions for “terrorist” operations.

On his account, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said, “today’s action facilitates private companies and aid organizations working with Afghan governing institutions and paying customs, duties, fees, and taxes, including institutions that are headed by sanctioned individuals.”

Meanwhile, a senior Biden administration official claimed that the license will ensure that US sanctions do not obstruct transactions or activities necessary to give help and support the basic human needs of the Afghan people.

Another official stated that the US has begun discussions with a number of nations about the establishment of temporary support financial arrangements, and expressed the expectation that Washington will be able to disclose details of these discussions soon.

It is worth mentioning that demonstrations erupted in Kabul earlier this month in protest to Biden’s order to take $3.5bn that belongs to the struggling Afghan people.

Meanwhile, millions of Afghan children are struggling to survive severe food shortages during a harsh winter and economic crash, as international aid was cut off following the hasty withdrawal of US occupation forces. Babies are too weak to crawl, stand, or walk. They appear to be bearing the burden of US occupation.