US special envoy for Afghanistan, Thomas West, said that in a conversation with former president Hamid Karzai discussed the current situation and stressed the need for talks among Afghans about the country’s future.
The US envoy said in a tweet that they discussed “urgent need for a genuine national dialogue among Afghans regarding the future of their country.”
He said that the Taliban’s denial of their fundamental right to an education is holding Afghanistan back.
“Karzai shared with me a sentiment from Afghans that I hear often: deep concern about the state of the economy, future for young Afghans,” he said.
“International community will continue to roll up sleeves and address humanitarian and basic needs,” West said.
He said the Taliban need to their part, reduce aid interference, govern in ways that invite investment and return of educated professionals.
Karzai said in a tweet that they talked about the continuation of humanitarian aid by the US, calling for the reopening of secondary schools for girls.
This comes as the Taliban so far has not shown an interest in a national dialogue among Afghans. The group also has not shown strong willingness to reopen secondary schools for girls that are closed for over a year.
