Afghanistan Times
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AT Kabul: In a significant diplomatic development, Roza Otunbayeva, the head of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA), and her deputy, Markus Potzel, engaged in discussions with the Taliban’s acting foreign minister, Amir Khan Muttaqi, in Kabul on Sunday.
The meeting centered on crucial aspects outlined by UNAMA, including the needs of Afghan returnees, the UN Special Coordinator’s report on Afghanistan, and the imperative to safeguard the rights of women and girls, ensuring their full access to education and employment.
Otunbayeva provided updates on the UN’s ongoing efforts to support returnees, highlighting initiatives related to counter-narcotics and microfinance. The discussions underscored the commitment of both parties to sustained engagement, particularly in addressing the pressing needs of the Afghan people, especially with the impending winter, as stated by UNAMA.
However, it is noteworthy that the Taliban has rejected a vital recommendation from the UN Special Coordinator Feridun Sinirlioglu’s report, specifically opposing the appointment of a special representative for Afghanistan, labeling it a “parallel structure.” The UN report carries essential recommendations, serving as both a guide for the political process and a roadmap for Afghanistan’s future.
One of the significant challenges highlighted in the discussions pertains to the closure of secondary schools for girls over the past two years, impacting over 1.1 million female students who have been deprived of education. Additionally, universities have remained closed for female students since last December.
As discussions continue, the international community closely watches the evolving dialogue between UN officials and the Taliban, with hopes for collaborative efforts that address the complex issues facing Afghanistan and pave the way for a more inclusive and stable future.
