PESHAWAR: According to reports, the European Union (EU) intends to reopen its diplomatic mission in Afghanistan within a month that would pay the way for establishing relations with the Taliban.
The EU’s diplomats would return to Kabul after three months since their evacuation from the country because of the Taliban’s takeover.
Read more:
PM Imran urges US to engage with Taliban-led Afghanistan or face chaos
US has no choice but to recognise Afghan Taliban, says PM Imran
Taliban called on int’l community to open embassies in Kabul
Zabihullah Mujahid, a Taliban spokesman and deputy minister of information and culture, welcomed the EU’s move. He said the Taliban will ensure the security of EU’s mission in Afghanistan. “We welcome the move as it would pave the way for diplomatic engagement and co-operation between Afghanistan and EU countries.”
EU Diplomatic and Security Foundation’s mission in Kabul will be used not only by them but also by the diplomats from EU member states. The move comes as the international community seeks to find ways for providing humanitarian support to Afghans under Taliban rule. The European Union has said that it will not recognise the Taliban but will provide all possible support on the humanitarian grounds. Currently, most Western countries have closed their diplomatic missions in Kabul. Representatives of the Taliban frequently travel to Doha to meet with EU officials, where EU countries have setup diplomatic missions.
The European Union has sent a delegation to Kabul last month to assess the repatriation of diplomats leaving $ 1. EU last month tried to reach an agreement with the Taliban under which security would be taken over by a special security force or bodyguards from EU member states, but the Taliban will provide security for embassies in Kabul.
The European Union believes that in support of human rights and to stop Afghanistan from becoming the safe haven for terrorists, the EU nations would extend its support to Afghanistan under Taliban rule.