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KABUL – In a firm stance against legitimizing the Taliban regime, White House spokesperson John Kirby declared on Tuesday that the United States has no intention to normalize relations or formally recognize the Taliban government. Kirby, instead, urged the Taliban to uphold their commitments to achieve legitimacy.
Addressing concerns regarding the forthcoming Doha summit on Afghanistan, Kirby emphasized that the Taliban must demonstrate adherence to their promises to gain recognition as legitimate rulers. “They haven’t met that standard,” Kirby affirmed, reiterating the steadfast U.S. stance towards the Taliban.
Scheduled for February 18-19 in Doha under the auspices of the United Nations, the summit aims to address the situation in Afghanistan.
Abdul Kabir, the Taliban’s Deputy Prime Minister for Political Affairs, asserted that the summit seeks to enhance global engagement with the Taliban. Sources within the UN disclosed discussions about the potential appointment of a UN special envoy for Afghanistan.
While the Taliban’s participation in the summit remains uncertain despite invitations extended, at least six Afghan delegates, including four women, are expected to attend.
In anticipation of the UN summit, Kyrgyzstan recently hosted an EU-Central Asia Summit on Afghanistan. Terhi Hakala, the EU Special Envoy for Afghanistan and Special Representative for Central Asia, participated in the event, which included planned discussions with Kyrgyz officials and civil society representatives.
Notably, the Taliban convened the “Afghanistan Regional Initiative Cooperation” summit in January, attended by diplomatic representatives from the region.
