The Free Press Journal

Top posts for jihadists

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The other appointmen­ts include Mullah Yaqoob as acting defence minister, Amir

Khan Muttaqi as acting foreign minister, and Mullah Abdul Salam Hanafi as a second deputy. Yaqoob is the son of former supreme leader Mullah Mohammad Omar who refused to give up Osama bin Laden to the US before the 2001 invasion.

‘‘The Taliban want good relations with all countries in the world, including the US,’’ spokesman Zabihullah Mujahed said at a press conference in Kabul on Tuesday. He called the cabinet a "diverse group" that included a variety of ethnicitie­s and background­s, although no women were chosen.

"We're not a tribal force," Mujahed said, adding that the group wanted good relations with the US despite the war. "We hope all countries in the world will recognize the legitimacy of our government and our Islamic regime."

The US and its allies have been waiting to see whether the Taliban would form an inclusive government that can stabilize the country and prevent a return to civil war. At a briefing on Tuesday, White House spokeswoma­n Jen Psaki said she didn't have a timeline for when the U.S. would recognize the new Taliban government and was still working to evacuate remaining Americans.

The Taliban spokespers­on made no mention of Taliban Supreme Commander Haibatulla­h Akhundzada, who hasn't been seen in public since becoming the group's leader in 2016.

Addressing the media, Mujahid further said, “We have named ministers only for ministries that are needed right now. In due course, we will announce names for the other ministries. We have a clear view and policy."

Possibly reacting to protests in Kabul and elsewhere, he said: ‘‘We have right now come out of turmoil. The situation is not ideal for demonstrat­ions. These demonstrat­ions violate the security of the country. I urge protesters not to carry out demonstrat­ions during these days."

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