World wants 15 traitors to be included in government: IEA official

A senior official of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (IEA) said on Tuesday that the international community had given the IEA a list of 15 individuals to be included in the government if it is to be recognized.

Acting Minister of Mines and Petroleum Shahabuddin Delawar revealed this while addressing a ceremony to mark the second anniversary of the signing of IEA-US deal in February 2020.

He said that initially there was a list of eight individuals, then it became 11 and now it is 15.

Delawar, however, suggested the demand could not be accepted as those on the list were “traitors.”

He also suggested that such a demand could be considered only if IEA had taken power through a political process.

Delawar said that IEA has already made efforts to make the government inclusive. He said that the majority of civil servants are still in their jobs.

On 29 February 2020, IEA and US signed a deal, following which US and other foreign troops withdrew from Afghanistan.

IEA officials said at the ceremony they had fulfilled their commitments in the deal, but the US was violating the agreement.

Meanwhile, Deputy Prime Minister Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar called on people, especially professionals, and the youth not to leave their country.