Kabul – In an exclusive interview with TOLOnews, the US special representative for Afghanistan Thomas West has said that the Taliban-led government should determine Afghanistan’s political system through holding the Loya Jirga (Great Assembly).
“The UN, the US, or any other country should not put pressure on the Taliban to replace any former government figures or individuals in their government,” Thomas West, the US special envoy for Afghanistan, told TOLOnews today (Sunday, January 30).
According to him, the Taliban must determine the political structure of Afghanistan in consultation with the Afghan people.
“What needs to be insisted on is a truly meaningful process and nationwide consultation with the people of Afghanistan across the country and consultation with women leaders, tribal leaders, and local people,” he said.
Moreover, Thomas stressed that the US does not have a specific version and it must be determined what the future political structure of Afghanistan will be.
On the other hand, he said dialogues with the Taliban are honest on issues such as the fight against terrorism, and that other issues discussed between the two sides focused on respecting the rights of women and girls, ending arbitrary detentions, and creating a safe environment for journalists.
Furthermore, the US special envoy noted that the international community wants to see female students in schools by March.
Meanwhile, the remarks were made by the US envoy for peace in Afghanistan at a time when, in the five months since the Taliban-led government, the political structure of Afghanistan has not yet been determined.
