Taliban say no need to negotiate with opponents, reject claims of public discontent
Amir Khan Muttaqi, the acting foreign minister of the Taliban administration, told the BBC that there is no need to negotiate with opponents of the administration, claiming that Afghanistan’s problems were resolved when the administration returned to power. He also rejected suggestions that people are dissatisfied with the Taliban administration’s performance, saying security has been established across Afghanistan.
In response to a question about the suppression of public protests, Muttaqi described protest as a “disorder” and claimed that people are completely satisfied with the Taliban administration. Without referring to domestic and international criticism of restrictions and the handling of protesters, he spoke of broad public support for the administration.
In reaction, Fazl Ahmad Manawi, a member of the leadership of the National Resistance Front of Afghanistan, said the Taliban foreign minister’s remarks had disappointed those who wanted dialogue and compromise. He added that the Taliban administration is not prepared to deal or compromise with its opponents, and since returning to power has only accepted negotiations when the other side has surrendered.
The National Resistance Front is among the groups opposing the Taliban administration and has maintained a critical stance toward the political and security structure in Afghanistan since the collapse of the previous government. Muttaqi’s latest remarks come as debate continues in Afghanistan over how the Taliban administration handles opponents and protesters, which remains one of the main points of contention in the country.
