KABUL, Afghanistan – UN Special Coordinator Feridun Sinirlioglu concluded a four-day visit to Kabul on Wednesday, where he discussed the upcoming Doha meeting with Taliban officials and Afghan political figures.
The Turkish Embassy announced Sinirlioglu’s trip from Feb. 3-7, during which he reviewed topics from his Independent Assessment Report, met with UNAMA leadership, and spoke with the EU Special Representative for Afghanistan, Tomas Niklasson.
Sinirlioglu’s discussions included meetings with Taliban Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi, Political Chief Minister Abdul Kabir, and other leaders like former President Hamid Karzai.
The visit coincided with Taliban resistance to the appointment of a UN special envoy for Afghanistan, a key topic for the Doha meeting.
“A Kabul resident, who wished to remain anonymous, said, ‘The Taliban should see this meeting as an opportunity. It should cover girls’ education in Afghanistan and the lack of jobs for both men and women. The government should be inclusive of all ethnic groups, including Tajiks, Uzbeks, and Hazaras.'”
The Taliban has tentatively agreed to attend the meeting, requesting more details from the UN.
“The deputy chief minister’s office quoted Sinirlioglu as saying, ‘No party seeks the Taliban regime’s collapse, and all are looking to connect the Taliban with the international community.'”
The Doha meeting, set for Feb. 18-19, aims to address human rights and humanitarian issues in Afghanistan.
A Women’s Solidarity Movement representative stated, “Afghan women seek an inclusive government where every ethnic group and women have roles. We also want attention to the country’s ongoing crisis.”
“Meetings and decisions about our country without the demands, participation, and presence of protesting women will yield no positive outcome,” Women’s rights activist Massouda Kohistani emphasized.
Sources suggest that the UN might appoint a special envoy for Afghanistan at the Doha talks, with Sinirlioglu being a potential candidate for the role.
