Extended Troika ‘supports review of Taliban black listing status’

US, Russia, China and Pakistan peace envoys met in Doha, Qatar on Friday with Afghan Republic and Taliban representatives to discuss ways to reach a negotiated settlement and stated the extended “Troika” supports a review of the black listing status of Taliban individuals and entities.

The US State Department on Friday night issued a statement noting: “We support a review of the status of designations of Taliban individuals and entities on the UN 1988 sanctions, as stated in the UNSC resolution 2513 (2020(.

“Practical measures to reduce violence and sustained efforts to advance intra-Afghan negotiations by the Taliban will positively affect this review process.”

According to the statement, the four nations participating in the extended Troika acknowledge the widespread and sincere demand of the Afghan people for a lasting and just peace and an end to the war.

“We reiterate that there is no military solution in Afghanistan and a negotiated political settlement through an Afghan-led and Afghan-owned process is the only way forward for lasting peace and stability in Afghanistan,” read the statement.

The statement noted the extended Troika reiterates that the withdrawal of foreign troops should ensure a steady transition of the situation in Afghanistan. “We stress that, during the withdrawal period, the peace process should not be disrupted, no fights or turbulence shall occur in Afghanistan, and the safety of international troops should be ensured.”

The extended Troika also stated they “expect the Taliban to fulfill its counterterrorism commitments, including preventing terrorist groups and individuals from using Afghan soil to threaten the security of any other country; not hosting these groups and preventing them from recruiting, training, and fundraising.

“We expect the Afghan government to continue counterterrorism cooperation with the international community.”

Once again the extended Troika called on all parties to the conflict in Afghanistan to reduce the level of violence and called on the Taliban not to pursue a Spring offensive.

“We condemn in the strongest terms any attacks deliberately targeting civilians in Afghanistan and call on all parties to respect their obligations under international humanitarian law in all circumstances, including those related to protection of civilians.

“We reiterate that diplomatic personnel and property shall be inviolable, and the perpetrators of any attack or threat on foreign diplomatic personnel and properties in Kabul will be held accountable.

“We urge the Government of the Islamic Republic and the High Council for National Reconciliation to engage openly with their Taliban counterparts regarding a negotiated settlement. We do not support the establishment in Afghanistan of any government imposed by force, consistent with the Joint Statement of the March 18 Expanded Troika,” read the statement.

The extended Troika also called on the negotiating parties to make progress toward an inclusive political settlement and a comprehensive and permanent ceasefire and stated they welcomed an expanded role for the United Nations in contributing to the Afghan peace and reconciliation process.

“We strongly advocate a durable and just political resolution that will result in the formation of an independent, sovereign, unified, peaceful, democratic, neutral and self-sufficient Afghanistan, free of terrorism and an illicit drug industry, which contributes to a safe environment for the voluntary, expeditious and sustainable return of Afghan refugees through a well-resourced plan; stability; and global security,” the statement read.

The Troika also reaffirmed that any peace agreement must include protections for the rights of all Afghans, including women, men, children, victims of war, and minorities, and should respond to the strong desire of all Afghans for economic, social and political development including the rule of law.