Karzai Stresses Need for National Dialogue in Afghanistan

Former president Hamid Karzai said he sees “national dialogue” as essential for Afghanistan as he met with United Nations deputy chief Amina Mohammed in Kabul on Wednesday.

“At the meeting, the two sides discussed the United Nations support and reopening of girls’ schools, the resumption of women’s work (in NGOs), and for sustainable peace and stability in Afghanistan and emphasized the need for national dialogue,” said Shahzada Massoud, a close aide to Karzai.

This comes as a UN delegation led by the United Nations deputy secretary general, Amina Mohammed, arrived in Kabul on Tuesday and held talks with many officials.

At a news conference on Wednesday, a UN spokesman provided details about the delegation’s visit to Afghanistan.

“On behalf of the secretary-general, the Deputy Secretary-General, Amina Mohammed, the executive director of UN Women, Sima Bahous, and the assistant general of the department of political and peacebuilding affairs and peace operations, Mohamed Khaled Khiari, started a series of high-level consultations across the Gulf, Asia and Europe to discuss the situation in Afghanistan in an effort to promote and protect women’s and girl’s rights, peaceful coexistence and sustainable development,” said Farhan Haq, a UN spokesman.

Meanwhile, Acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi criticized the decision not to give the Islamic Emirate Afghanistan’s seat in the UN as he met with Amina Mohammed, the UN deputy chief, in Kabul on Wednesday.

“It was promised in the Doha agreement that the leaders of the Islamic Emirate would be removed from the blacklist, but they have not been removed so far,” Muttaqi said.

Analysts said the UN delegation’s visit will not leave a big impact on women’s situation in Afghanistan.

“The visit of the UN deputy secretary-general Amina Mohammed to Afghanistan cannot have more impact on the situation of Afghan women without promises,” said Nasir Ahmad Taraki, a political analyst.

“The Islamic Emirate should try to interact with the world, and this is the legal right of every Afghan to study, work, and provide financial support to their family,” said Shir Agha Bayanzai, a university lecturer.

Germany in Afghanistan in a tweet welcomed the visit of the UN delegation, saying that no country can thrive with half of its population excluded from public life and the economy.

“We welcome the Visit of UN deputy secretary-general Amina Mohammad to Afghanistan. A unique opportunity to discuss and agree on policies that would benefit the Afghan people,” Germany in Afghanistan said in a tweet.