UN Clarifies Doha Meeting Not for Taliban Recognition, Focus on Afghan Issues

The head of the UN delegation in Afghanistan has clarified that the third meeting in Doha is not aimed at normalizing relations with the Taliban.

Roza Otunbayeva, head of the United Nations Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA), stated that the third meeting in Doha is not about legitimizing or normalizing relations with the Taliban, but rather addressing Afghanistan’s issues.

The special representative of the UN Secretary-General in Afghanistan added that this meeting may provide an opportunity for Afghan women to participate in future discussions.

“Special representatives of all countries will meet the Taliban face to face for the first time, and these representatives will tell the Taliban that this will not happen; we must have women at the table and allow them to work,” Otunbayeva said.

She continued that the Doha meeting will also discuss assistance to the private sector, banking, and alternative livelihoods for Afghan farmers.