Zabehullah Mojahid
The spokesman for the Taliban government of Afghanistan, Zabihullah Mujahid, issued a statement clarifying Afghanistan’s position on the Istanbul talks with Pakistan.
The statement says: The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan once again thanks the Republic of Turkey and the State of Qatar — the two brotherly countries — for hosting and mediating the talks between Afghanistan and Pakistan in Istanbul.
Representatives of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, by special direction of the leadership, participated in Istanbul in good faith and with appropriate authority on two consecutive days (November 6 and 7), hoping that this time the Pakistani side, after consultation with its leaders, would approach the issue seriously and constructively, with a responsible attitude, and present realistic and implementable demands to reach a fundamental solution.
During the talks, the Pakistani side attempted to refer all responsibilities regarding its security to the Afghan government, while at the same time it did not demonstrate any willingness to assume responsibility for either Afghanistan’s security or its own.
The irresponsible and non-cooperative attitude of the Pakistani delegation resulted in no outcome, despite the Islamic Emirate’s good intentions and the efforts of the mediators.
The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan reiterates its principled position:
it will not allow anyone to use Afghan territory against another country, nor will it permit any country to use its territory to take actions against or support actions that undermine Afghanistan’s national sovereignty, independence, or security.
The Muslim people of Pakistan are brothers of Afghans; the Islamic Emirate wishes them well and hopes for peace, and will cooperate with them within the limits of its responsibilities and capabilities.
The defense of the people and land of Afghanistan is the Islamic and national duty of the Islamic Emirate, and it will firmly defend against any aggression with the help of Allah and the support of its people, Insha’Allah.
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