During negotiations with US officials in Doha, the Taliban reaffirmed their demand for international recognition of the new regime and the unfreezing of assets.
Zabiullah Mujahid, the Taliban’s newly designated Minister of Information and Culture, made the statements. According to Tolo News, he stated that both parties discussed the Doha Agreement’s implementation.
“There are several issues needed to be shared with the Americans: First, the implementation of the Doha agreement which is important for both–for us and for the US. Second, the issue of Afghanistan’s assets that have been frozen in banks by the US,” Mujahid said.
“Third is the recognition of Afghanistan by the international community, the US and UN,” said the deputy minister of information and culture,” he added.
This came at a time when Afghanistan’s economy was in shambles following the Taliban’s takeover. Afghans continue to struggle with financial services, standing in queues stretching hundreds of metres long and waiting up to three days to withdraw their money. Foreign aid was immediately halted during the Taliban’s siege of Kabul on August 15. The US also halted USD 9.4 billion in reserves to the country’s central bank, according to The New York Post. In addition, the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank have suspended lending, and the Financial Action Task Force has issued a warning to its 39 member countries to freeze Taliban assets. The Taliban have been pleading with the United States to unfreeze these assets, as well as requesting international recognition.
SOURCE: ANI
