Islamic Emirate Attends 27th St. Petersburg Intl Economic Forum

A delegation from the Islamic Emirate today (Wednesday) participated in the 27th St. Petersburg International Economic Forum.

Samiullah Ebrahimi, the spokesperson of the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs, said that the acting minister of this ministry, who is leading the delegation, will attend the forum and meet with representatives of some countries and regional and international organizations to discuss expanding economic relations.

The 27th St. Petersburg International Economic Forum is being held June 5-8.

The spokesperson for the Ministry added: “The acting minister of Labor and Social Affairs will discuss economic and trade opportunities at this forum. In addition, he will meet with representatives from a large number of countries and regional and global organizations.”

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs also commented on the participation of the Islamic Emirate’s delegation in the St. Petersburg forum, saying that developments and participation in economic relations with Russia have a positive and significant impact on political interactions.

“Russia is one of the largest economies in the region and the world, and we are interested in having economic relations with the whole world, especially with Russia,” said Mohammad Yunus Momand, the first deputy of the Chamber of Commerce and Investment.

“This forum, inaugurated by Putin, is an economic forum and also has political impact. It has positive results, and the relations between Afghanistan and Russia will improve,” said Abdul Shukor Hadawal, an economic analyst.

At the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, which has been held in Russia for the past 27 years, agreements in economic and trade fields are signed between various parties.

Islamic Emirate Attends 27th St. Petersburg Intl Economic Forum
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Griffiths Hopeful Doha Meeting Will Clarify Agenda for Intl Engagement

Martin Griffiths, the UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator, said at a press conference he is hopeful the agenda for the international community’s engagement with the “Taliban” will be clarified at the third Doha meeting.

This UN official praised the improvement in security conditions in Afghanistan but criticized the interim government’s lack of adherence to its commitments to the world.

Griffiths, the Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator, added: “We have lost some opportunities to engage further and I’m hopeful that Doha 3 which is coming up in the middle of weeks will make clear the agenda for international engagement. Afghanistan — I was lucky I went on behalf of the Secretary-General to Kabul to greet the new rulers and I had spent a lifetime working in Afghanistan one way another and we had some hopes then we had indeed some written commitments that was to how we will be able to go forward with the Taliban and those hopes have been dashed.”

Meanwhile, the Islamic Emirate has not yet commented on whether it will attend the third Doha meeting. However, Zabihullah Mujahid said regarding the interim government’s commitments to the world, that the government has fulfilled what it promised.

The spokesman for the Islamic Emirate told TOLOnews: “The Islamic Emirate has fulfilled its commitments, and there are no violations seen, but the UN and countries should not pressure Afghanistan and should not interfere in the value and belief matters of the Afghan people.”

“The fundamental rights of women and human rights have been ensured from the first day of the Islamic Emirate’s rule in Afghanistan, and now women’s dignity and rights are guaranteed in Afghanistan,” said Mohammad Bashaar, a political analyst.

Earlier, the spokesman for the Islamic Emirate told TOLOnews that the agenda of the third Doha meeting had been shared with the Islamic Emirate and is currently under review. According to Zabihullah Mujahid, the Islamic Emirate will clarify its position on attending the meeting after completing this review.

Griffiths Hopeful Doha Meeting Will Clarify Agenda for Intl Engagement
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Acting Interior Min. Visits UAE, Agrees on Prisoner, Visa Policies

This is the first foreign trip of Khalifa Sirajuddin Haqqani since the Islamic Emirate took over the country.

Zabihullah Mujahid, spokesperson for the Islamic Emirate, said that the authorities of the United Arab Emirates and Khalifa Sirajuddin Haqqani, the Acting Minister of Interior, have reached an agreement on the release of Afghan prisoners, the resumption of visa issuance, and the digitization of the traffic system.

Mujahid in a statement said that during Khalifa Sirajuddin Haqqani’s visit to the United Arab Emirates, discussions were also held on strengthening relations between the two countries, efforts towards regional stability, and the UAE’s contribution to the reconstruction of Afghanistan.

Meanwhile, the acting Minister of Interior, heading a delegation including Abdul Haq Wasiq, Director of the General Directorate of Intelligence, and Anas Haqqani, a senior leader of the Islamic Emirate, has gone to the United Arab Emirates and held talks with the Emir and senior officials of the country.

This is the first foreign trip of Khalifa Sirajuddin Haqqani since the Islamic Emirate took over the country, but further details about this trip are not available.

Meanwhile, UAE media reported that in this meeting, both sides discussed strengthening bilateral relations, regional stability, expanding cooperation, and shared interests.

A number of political analysts said the acting Minister of Interior’s visit to the UAE is important for developing relations between the Islamic Emirate and other countries and addressing some current challenges.

“This trip and other trips have a positive impact on our relations. We can find solutions to obstacles that have somehow been presented to them,” said Amanullah Hotaki, a political analyst.

“This is a very important trip, and I hope this trip brings good news to Afghanistan and paves the way for Afghanistan’s interaction with the world,” said Gul Mohammaduddin Mohammadi, another political analyst.

Earlier, a delegation of UAE scholars had come to Kabul and met with several Islamic Emirate officials, including the acting Ministers of Interior and Foreign Affairs, to discuss various issues, including girls’ education and women’s work.

Acting Interior Min. Visits UAE, Agrees on Prisoner, Visa Policies
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UN Security Council to Meet on Afghanistan in June

The spokesman for the Islamic Emirate said that this meeting should address the progress on Afghanistan’s economic issues.

The United Nations Security Council is set to meet on the situation in Afghanistan later this month.

Although the exact date of this meeting has not been specified, the statement indicates that the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Afghanistan, Roza Otunbayeva, will also brief this meeting.

“In June, the Security Council will convene for its quarterly open briefing on Afghanistan. Special Representative of the Secretary-General and head of the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) Roza Otunbayeva and a representative of civil society are expected to brief. Closed consultations are scheduled to follow the briefing,” the statement reads.

Meanwhile, the Islamic Emirate stated that the United Nations Assistance Mission for Afghanistan should prepare its reports in a manner that reflects the current realities of Afghanistan.

The spokesman for the Islamic Emirate said that this meeting should address the progress on Afghanistan’s economic issues.

Islamic Emirate spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said: “UNAMA should represent Afghanistan well, and should be the way of coordination between the UN and Afghanistan. It should also reflect the realities and suggestions of Afghanistan.”

“These meetings can have a positive effect on our political relations with the world and we welcome this meeting, and the important issue is the participation leadership of the Islamic Emirate,” said Shams Rahman Ahmadzai, a political analyst.

The third Doha meeting on key issues of Afghanistan is scheduled to be held on June 31 and July 1 with the participation of special representatives of countries for Afghanistan, hosted by the United Nations in Doha.

UN Security Council to Meet on Afghanistan in June
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Taliban evicted 6,000 displaced Afghans form informal settlements, says aid group

Associated Press
June 4, 2024

ISLAMABAD (AP) — Taliban authorities in Afghanistan have evicted thousands of displaced people in the capital Kabul and demolished their informal settlements, making more than 800 vulnerable families homeless, an aid group said Tuesday.

The Norwegian Refugee Council urged Taliban authorities to immediately halt ongoing evictions until appropriate longer-term solutions for relocation have been identified.

“I am deeply shocked by Sunday’s forced eviction of around 6,000 internally displaced people in the capital. These are some of the most vulnerable communities in Afghanistan,” said Neil Turner, NRC’s country director in Afghanistan.

Afghanistan is still in the grip of growing humanitarian and socioeconomic crises that have devastated the population since the Taliban takeover in August 2021.

At the end of 2023, 4.2 million people were internally displaced as a result of conflict and violence, and 1.5 million due to disasters, according to NCR.

The sudden return of around 600,000 Afghans from Pakistan since last September has dramatically increased the number of displaced people in the country, placing additional burdens on already stretched resources, said the group.

 

Taliban evicted 6,000 displaced Afghans form informal settlements, says aid group
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UN Security Council to review UNAMA’s performance in Afghanistan

Khaama Press

The United Nations Security Council has announced that it will hold a session regarding the performance of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA).

On Monday, June 3, this council stated in a declaration that the session is expected to occur this month, but it did not specify the exact date.

According to the council’s statement, Roza Otonbayeva, the head of UNAMA, and a civil society representative are scheduled to speak at this session.

On the other hand, Martin Griffiths, the Deputy Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs of the United Nations, will provide information about the delivery of humanitarian aid under the Taliban administration’s control.

Meanwhile, the Doha talks have seen continued negotiations between the Taliban and representatives of various Afghan factions. There’s a growing concern over the inclusivity of these talks and whether they adequately represent the diverse interests of the Afghan population.

Moreover, neighbouring countries and international stakeholders closely monitor the third Doha talks, recognizing their potential to shape Afghanistan’s future trajectory and regional stability. Efforts to garner broader international support and involvement in the peace process remain ongoing.

UN Security Council to review UNAMA’s performance in Afghanistan
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UNICEF urges increased investment to combat climate change threats in Afghanistan

Khaama Press

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), referring to the recent floods in Afghanistan, has called for increased investment to counter the threats arising from climate change, which primarily affect children.

In a report released on Monday, June 3, UNICEF stated that the humanitarian community and the United Nations must prepare to confront the new reality of natural disasters and climate change.

According to this report, floods pose an immediate and ongoing threat to children in Afghanistan. This “serious warning” necessitates that the international community expand its efforts and investments to support communities in reducing the impact of climate change on children.

The recent floods in Afghanistan, particularly in the provinces of Ghor, Baghlan, and Badakhshan, have raised concerns that Afghanistan is not prepared to handle the threats posed by climate change.

UNICEF’s report on the recent floods also indicates that nearly 350 people, including dozens of children, have lost their lives. Additionally, 7,800 residential houses have been completely or partially destroyed, and more than 5,000 families have been displaced due to the floods.

Meanwhile, the World Food Programme has announced that it will need at least $14.5 million over the next seven months to assist the victims of the recent floods in Afghanistan.

UNICEF urges increased investment to combat climate change threats in Afghanistan
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General Mckenzie: Doha agreement was Washington’s biggest mistake

Khaama Press

General Frank McKenzie, the former commander of the United States Central Command, criticized the consequences of the Doha Agreement, stating that Washington made its most egregious mistakes during these negotiations.

In a new interview with CBS, the former commander of the United States Central Command stated that the Doha Agreement led to “the destruction of the government in Afghanistan.”

The U.S. negotiating team, led by Zalmay Khalilzad, and the Taliban negotiating team, led by Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar, signed the Doha Agreement in February 2020 after months of negotiation.

Following the signing of this agreement, the process of withdrawing foreign forces led by the U.S. from Afghanistan, which was part of the Doha Agreement, began and was completed by the end of August 2021, when the Taliban had taken control in Afghanistan.

Before the withdrawal of foreign forces from Afghanistan was complete, the then-Afghan government, led by Ashraf Ghani, collapsed. With the president fleeing on August 15, Taliban forces had taken control of nearly all provinces.

This process happened very quickly and sparked widespread international reactions. Many described the manner of the foreign forces’ withdrawal from Afghanistan as “disastrous” with devastating consequences, and General Frank McKenzie stated in his interview with CBS that the Doha Agreement “destroyed the government in Afghanistan.”

He also mentioned that both former President Donald Trump and current President Joe Biden, who oversaw the signing and implementation of this agreement, focused on the withdrawal of American forces from Afghanistan.

According to the retired general, America’s egregious mistake in negotiating with the Taliban was that Washington “treated it as a timetable for the withdrawal of its forces from Afghanistan.”

In his interview, McKenzie referred to the Doha Agreement as an “operational mechanism” that led to “the destruction of the government in Afghanistan,” while, according to him, the U.S. could have achieved a better outcome.

General Mckenzie: Doha agreement was Washington’s biggest mistake
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Hamid Karzai travels to US for brother Qayum’s funeral

Khaama Press

Former Afghan President Hamid Karzai has traveled to the United States to attend his brother’s funeral, Qayum Karzai.

According to the report, Karzai will attend his elder brother’s funeral and memorial service in Maryland on Monday, June 3.

He arrived in Virginia on the evening of Sunday, June 2, and went to Maryland on Monday, June 3, for the funeral service.

The funeral of Qayum Karzai will be held on Monday at Firdaus Cemetery, and the memorial service will take place at the “Turkish” Mosque in Maryland.

Sources indicate that Hamid Karzai will stay in the United States for three days and return to Germany after the funeral.

The former Afghan president has been in Germany since June 20 for eye treatment.

Qayum Karzai, the elder brother of Hamid Karzai, passed away on the night of Wednesday in the state of Maryland, USA.

Hamid Karzai travels to US for brother Qayum’s funeral
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Fazl-ur-Rehman Denies Claims of Attacks From Afghan Soil on Pakistan

The leader of Pakistan’s Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam party also said that Pakistan has provided the use of its airspace to the United States over the past twenty years.

Maulana Fazl-ur-Rehman, the leader of Pakistan’s Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam party, denied Pakistani officials’ claims about terrorists entering Pakistan from Afghanistan.

The leader of Pakistan’s Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam party also said that Pakistan has provided the use of its airspace to the United States over the past twenty years to attack border areas of Afghanistan.

Maulana Fazlur Rehman said: “They gave bases to attack Afghans, they gave airspace to attack Afghans. Have they ever complained to you, asking ‘why are airplanes taking off from your airports and attacking us?’ They never complained about the planes, nor about the bombings. You destroyed thousands of people with your planes for twenty years, you destroyed tribes.”

The Islamic Emirate said that anti-security incidents in Pakistan have no connection to Afghanistan, and this country should seek the roots of anti-security incidents within its own territory.

Zabihullah Mujahid, spokesperson for the Islamic Emirate, told TOLOnews: “Sometimes when there is insecurity there, it is not related to Afghanistan because all incidents happen on their soil in different provinces, hundreds of kilometers away from the Durand Line.”

Amid increasing anti-security incidents over the past two years in Pakistan, senior military and political officials of this country have occasionally claimed that Afghan soil is being used against this country.

“The TTP issue is an internal matter of Pakistan. Instead of turning it into a project, it is better for Afghanistan and Pakistan, as neighboring and Islamic countries, to seek each other’s political stability and security in responding to the demands of the people,” Nasir Shafiq, a political analyst, told TOLOnews.

This comes as anti-security incidents in Pakistan over the past three years have cast a shadow over relations between Kabul and Islamabad.

Fazl-ur-Rehman Denies Claims of Attacks From Afghan Soil on Pakistan
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