Khalilzad: Doha Agreement Can Serve as a Framework for Cooperation
Zalmay Khalilzad, the former US Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation, stated at a gathering at the University of Florida that the Doha Agreement is the only official agreement between the US and the interim government of Afghanistan.
Speaking at the Institute of Global and National Security at the University of Florida, the former US Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation stressed that the interim government still claims to be committed to the Doha Agreement, which could serve as a basis for Washington’s engagement with Kabul.
Zalmay Khalilzad stated: “The agreement is the only thing that we have with the Talibs that is relatively authoritative. The Talibs still say they are adhering to the Doha agreement. So, from that point of view too, this might be a way. I don’t want to – as I said – raise expectations, but that may be among alternatives that exist. This framework would be one.”
Meanwhile, Sher Mohammad Abbas Stanikzai, the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Emirate also expressed during an event in Kabul that the caretaker government hopes the new US administration will reconsider its current policy towards Afghanistan. Sher Mohammad Abbas Stanikzai further mentioned that the Islamic Emirate favors positive relations with all countries, including the United States.
Sher Mohammad Abbas Stanikzai added in this program: “Our hope from the future US administration is that it will review its policy towards Afghanistan and the Islamic Emirate and take positive steps.”
Abdul Shukoor Dadras, a political analyst, shared his views on the implementation of the Doha Agreement, stating: “The Islamic Emirate also has criticisms, claiming that at times the United States and NATO interfere in Afghanistan in ways that violate the Doha Agreement.”
This comes as the Islamic Emirate and the US have repeatedly accused each other of violating the Doha Agreement. Previously, the White House stated that if the caretaker government seeks to lift sanctions and gain international legitimacy, it must adhere to its commitments under the Doha Agreement.
