RASC News Agency: The fifth round of the ‘Vienna Process’, a high-profile political summit bringing together opposition movements, political parties, and anti-Taliban figures, is set to commence in Vienna, Austria, within the next few hours. According to Mohammadullah Afzali, one of the event’s organizers, the two-day summit will officially begin on Tuesday, February 18, and will continue into the following day. Afzali stated that the gathering will feature representatives from political parties, women’s rights organizations, civil society groups, and cultural activists. Among the key attendees are Ahmad Massoud, leader of the National Resistance Front (NRF), and Yasin Zia, leader of the Afghanistan Freedom Front (AFF) two opposition figures who have remained at the forefront of the armed resistance against the Taliban for the past three and a half years.
Unlike many other political factions and leaders, Massoud and Zia have upheld three fundamental positions regarding the Taliban: They have consistently rejected the notion that the Taliban have reformed, asserting that only military resistance can force the group to recognize Afghanistan’s political, ethnic, social, and cultural realities. They have resisted the influence of Taliban-affiliated lobbyists and have categorically refused to negotiate or seek reconciliation with the group. They have actively engaged in direct military confrontation against the Taliban, prioritizing armed struggle over rhetorical opposition and symbolic political statements.
This round of the Vienna Process is expected to focus primarily on consolidating opposition forces, fostering unity among anti-Taliban factions, and formulating a cohesive strategy to counter the regime. As of now, the Taliban have not issued any statements regarding the summit. The fourth round of the Vienna Process took place approximately five months ago in Vienna, Austria.
