Afghanistan Times
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By Rafiullah Anwari
KABUL: Following French President Emanuel Macron’s remarks regarding the deployment of EU ambassadors to Kabul, the bloc says that deploying these ambassadors does not mean recognizing the Taliban.
French President Emmanuel Macron says several European countries are working to open a joint diplomatic mission in Afghanistan to send ambassadors to the country.
Since the fall of the previous government in Afghanistan and the establishment of the current government in the country, as well as the withdrawal of all foreign forces especially US forces, foreign countries have been struggling to interact with the Islamic Emirate.
Since the Taliban took power, the United States and other Western countries have withdrawn their diplomats from Kabul and closed their embassies.
“We are consulting with European countries, a common ground for several European countries that allows our ambassadors to visit,” Macron told reporters in Doha before leaving for Saudi Arabia.
The United States, Europe, and other countries are formally reluctant to recognize Taliban rule. The Taliban government is accused of violating their promises in political and ethnic fronts, and especially of not protecting the rights of women and minorities.
“Sending ambassadors to Kabul is a different step from recognizing or having a political dialogue with the Taliban,” Macron added. “We will open this representation as soon as we can; but, this plan depends on security issues.”
Following the talks between the EU delegation and the Taliban in Qatar a week ago, the coalition issued a statement proposing the opening of a delegation in Kabul.
The EU delegation stressed that a minimal European presence in Kabul did not mean recognizing the Taliban. This decision is also directly related to security situation and protection of their staff in Afghanistan.
Meanwhile on Friday, France, with the help of Qatar, evacuated more than 300 Afghans and its citizens from Afghanistan to France.
