RASC News Agency: Rosemary DiCarlo, UN Deputy Secretary-General, stated in a press briefing on Wednesday that the third Doha meeting will not address the recognition of the Taliban and is not an Intra-Afghanistani dialogue. Addressing criticism about the exclusion of Afghanistani women and civil society, she clarified, “This is not an Intra-Afghanistani dialogue.”
She emphasized, “I want to stress that the Doha meeting is part of a process. We have faced significant criticism for not including Afghanistani women and civil society in the discussions. I must say that this is not an Intra-Afghanistani dialogue.” She continued, “I hope that we will reach that point someday, but currently, we are not there yet.” The Deputy Secretary-General mentioned plans to meet with representatives of Afghanistan civil society and women on the second day of the Doha meeting, scheduled for July 1.
She noted that representatives from 25 countries have been invited to this meeting. DiCarlo clarified that engaging with the Taliban does not imply their recognition. “This is not a recognition meeting. This meeting will not result in the recognition of the Taliban. Engaging with them does not equate to recognition. This meeting is not about the Taliban; it is about Afghanistan and its people.”
Previously, the Taliban had stated that one of their conditions for attending the Doha meeting was the exclusion of civil society and women’s representatives, which the UN had accepted. DiCarlo also mentioned the Taliban’s request to meet with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, saying, “The Taliban wanted to meet with Antonio Guterres.”
She explained that due to her role in chairing the meeting, it would not be possible for the Taliban delegation to meet with the UN Secretary-General in Doha. DiCarlo underscored that the goal of the Doha meeting is to hold the Taliban accountable to international laws and the UN Charter. She expressed hope that the UN would achieve this goal step by step.
