Taliban claim militants will not hit foreign land
THE foreign minister in Afghanistan’s new Taliban-run cabinet has claimed the country’s government is committed to its promise not to allow militants to use its territory to attack others.
In his first press conference since the Taliban formed an interim government a week ago, Molavi Amir Khan Muttaqi would not give a timeframe for how long the government would be in place, or whether it would eventually be opened up to other factions, minorities or women.
When asked about the possibility of elections, Mr Muttaqi said other countries should not interfere in Afghanistan’s internal issues.
Under a deal reached last year with the United States, the Taliban promised to break ties with Al-Qaeda and other militant groups and ensure they do not threaten other countries from its territory.
Asked about the deal, Mr Muttaqi replied: “We will not allow anyone or any groups to use our soil against any other countries.” It marked the first time a member of the new government has confirmed its commitment to the promise.
The first press conference by Mr Muttaqi since the Taliban formed an interim government came as governments around the world – and many Afghans at home – are searching for indications on how it will rule Afghanistan, after sweeping out the United States-backed government and taking over Kabul a month ago.
The US and its allies have urged the Taliban not to repeat its harsh rule of the 1990s, when it monopolised power and imposed its harsh interpretation of Islamic law, including severe restrictions on women and minorities.
During its rule in the 1990s, the
Taliban sheltered Al-Qaeda and its leader, Osama bin Laden. The group’s refusal to hand them over after the September 11 terror attacks in the US in 2001 prompted the Americans to launch its assault on Afghanistan, ousting the Taliban and leading to the ensuing 20-year war.
The Taliban, who swept into Kabul and toppled the US-backed government on August 15, have come under heavy international criticism after they formed an interim government made up entirely of Taliban members, despite previous promises to be more inclusive.
When asked if the Taliban would include women or minorities in the government, Mr Muttaqi said: “We will decide in time,” without making a commitment. He underlined the government’s interim status, and said that, when a permanent one is formed, “we will take into account what the people want”.
India’s leaders are watching the Taliban takeover in Afghanistan, fearing that it will benefit Pakistan and feed an insurgency in the disputed region of Kashmir, where militants already have a foothold.
Lieutenant General Deependra Singh Hooda, a former military commander for northern India, said militant groups based across the border in Pakistan would “certainly try and push men” into Kashmir, following the Taliban victory. He added it was too early to predict if any influx of fighters into Kashmir would be “in numbers that destabilise the security situation” and push the region into a military confrontation.
India and Pakistan have fought two wars over Kashmir and both countries rule parts of the Himalayan region, but claim it in full. Indian officials worry that Afghanistan could be a base for organising Islamist militants in Kashmir.