The diplomatic missions of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan wishes to highlight the following points in relation to the discussions on Afghanistan to be held in Oslo, Norway from 23-25 January.
The visit of the Taliban delegation to Oslo and discussions on Afghanistan take place amidst an extremely dire situation in the country, with millions of Afghans living in a dire humanitarian situation, in fear and anxiety and hopeless about the current state and future trajectory of the country.
Lack of access to the most basic of services, resulting in more than half of the population facing severe food-security and other basic services, as well as violation of human rights and fundamental freedoms, including freedom of expression, women and girls’ access to secondary and tertiary education, their right to participation in society and forced disappearances are a dark reality in present-day Afghanistan.
In this regard, we hope and expect that the discussions in Oslo will help ensure the Taliban meet and honor expressed commitments on various issues, including human rights, reaching a political settlement for inclusive governance and most particularly, accepting the will of the people in relation to their right to self-determination.
We welcome and appreciate the statement of the Norwegian Foreign Ministry in its press release of 21 January 2022 regarding the fact that the planned meetings with the Taliban in Norway “do not represent a legitimization or recognition of the Taliban,” and that discussions with the group are only part of dialogue aimed at promoting human rights, women’s participation in society and to improving the humanitarian and economic situation of the people of Afghanistan.
Moreover, the diplomatic missions of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan reaffirms its stated position regarding the resumption of intra-Afghan negotiations among all sides, based on UN Security Council Resolution 2513 and leading to a comprehensive political settlement reflecting the will of the people and resulting in the formation of a broad-based inclusive and representative government that will be able to enjoy national and international legitimacy.
In a pluralistic and dynamic society in Afghanistan, this remains the only viable approach for a sustainable end to the decades-long unresolved conflict in Afghanistan and to bring about a lasting and dignified peace and stability and prosperity.
We express our gratitude for the historic and long-standing support of the people and Government of the Kingdom of Norway provided to Afghanistan, including the assistance provided in various fields during the past two decades, including security, development, human rights and also peace and reconciliation and look to the continuation of this support in the way forward.