Taliban won’t harbor militants, leader says
Muttaqi mum on plans for inclusive government
KABUL, Afghanistan – The foreign minister in Afghanistan’s new Talibanrun Cabinet on Tuesday said the government remains committed to its promises not to allow militants to use its territory to attack others.
The first press conference by Amir Khan Muttaqi since the Taliban formed an interim government a week ago comes as governments around the world – and many Afghans at home – are searching for indications on how they will rule Afghanistan after sweeping out the U.s.-backed government and taking over Kabul a month ago.
The U.S. and its allies have pushed the Taliban not to repeat their harsh rule of the 1990s, when they imposed their harsh interpretation of Islamic law, including severe restrictions on women and minorities.
Muttaqi gave little sign whether the Taliban will bend to the international pressure. He would not say how long the interim government would be in place or whether it would eventually be opened up to other factions, minorities or women.
He repeatedly insisted other countries must not interfere in Afghanistan’s internal issues, including in response to a question on whether elections would eventually be held.
Muttaqi, a longtime Taliban negotiator, did make the first confirmation by a member of the new government of its commitment to the Taliban deal last year with the United States that opened the way for the American withdrawal from Afghanistan. Under the deal, the Taliban promised to break ties with alqaida and other militant groups and ensure they don’t threaten other countries from its territory.
“We will not allow anyone or any groups to use our soil against any other countries,” he said.
During its rule in the 1990s, the Taliban sheltered al-qaida and its chief, Osama bin Laden. The group’s refusal to hand them over after the Sept. 11, 2001, terror attacks in the United States prompted the U.S. 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 U.s.-backed government on Aug. 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, Muttaqi said, “We will decide in time,” without making a commitment. He underscored that the government was interim and that when a permanent one is formed, “we will take into account what the people want.”
“We are taking everything step by step,” he said.
Governments around the world have said recognition will not take place until a more inclusive government is put in place in Afghanistan. The United Nations now faces a dilemma as it prepares to begin the U.N. General Assembly. Several of the Taliban ministers, including Muttaqi and the prime minister, are on the U.N.’S so-called black list of international terrorists and terrorist financers.
Muttaqi urged the U.N. to move quickly to delist the leaders, saying, “The list has no logic.” The Cabinet also includes Sirajuddin Haqqani, who is also on the U.N.’S black list as well as wanted by the FBI for questioning in connection with attacks in the Afghan capital during the last two decades.