The United States is concerned by appointment of certain individuals to posts in the newly formed Afghan government, a Department of State spokesperson has told TASS.
"We have seen the announcement and are assessing it. We note the announced list of names consists exclusively of individuals who are members of the Taliban or their close associates and no women," the official said. "We also are concerned by the affiliations and track records of some of the individuals."
According to the spokesperson, Washington understands that the Taliban has presented this as a caretaker cabinet.
"However, we will judge the Taliban by its actions, not words. We have made clear our expectation that the Afghan people deserve an inclusive government," he said. "We will continue to hold the Taliban to their commitments to allow safe passage for foreign nationals and Afghans with travel documents, including permitting flights currently ready to fly out of Afghanistan to agreed-upon onward destinations."
"We also reiterate our clear expectation that the Taliban ensure that Afghan soil is not used to threaten any other countries and allow humanitarian access in support of the Afghan people. The world is watching closely," the Department of State spokesperson said...
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The US has said it is "concerned" after the Taliban unveiled Afghanistan's new all-male government with figures linked to attacks on American forces.
ReplyDeleteThe US State Department said it was "assessing" Tuesday's announcement.
The interim cabinet is led by Mullah Mohammad Hassan Akhund, who is on a UN blacklist. Another figure, Sirajuddin Haqqani, is wanted by the FBI.
Separately on Tuesday, three people were shot dead at a protest in the western city of Herat.
Medical workers said they were killed when Taliban militants opened fire.
In the capital Kabul, the Taliban also fired warning shots as hundreds of people demonstrated in the streets.
The Islamist group seized control of most of Afghanistan in a sweeping offensive more than three weeks ago, ousting the previous elected leadership.
US Senator Lindsey Graham described the new caretaker cabinet as a "line-up of thugs and butchers". He is one of a number of senior Republicans to condemn as "ill-advised" Democratic President Joe Biden's decision to withdraw from Afghanistan.
The Taliban government - who also on Tuesday declared Afghanistan an "Islamic Emirate" - faces tough challenges in the conflict-torn country, not least stabilising the economy and gaining international recognition.
The group had previously said they wanted to form an inclusive government.
BBC