RASC News Agency: Tommy Bruce, spokesperson for the U.S. State Department, has clarified that Zalmay Khalilzad, who recently traveled to Kabul as part of a delegation, does not hold any official role within the department. She emphasized that his engagements in Kabul do not constitute formal negotiations between the United States and the Taliban. During a press briefing, Bruce was asked whether Khalilzad was an official member of the U.S. delegation to Kabul and if he had any formal role within the government. She responded:
“Yes, the individual you referenced does not have an official government position. Beyond our designated envoys who are well-equipped to navigate these situations this reflects the influence of a powerful America, led by individuals committed to fulfilling their mission.” When pressed on why Khalilzad was present in Kabul despite lacking an official role, Bruce refrained from speculation, stating:
“I cannot speculate on that matter. While this situation exists at some level, I am certainly not in a position to infer the rationale behind it.”
Bruce also declined to provide details regarding the delegation’s engagements with Taliban officials. When asked whether these meetings signaled a shift in U.S. diplomatic strategy toward the Taliban, she responded that she was not present in the discussions and, even if she had been, diplomatic protocols would prevent her from disclosing any details. “Well, I was not in the meeting with the Taliban. Even if I had been, I would not be at liberty to share any details. If such discussions took place, they would certainly fall within the realm of diplomatic considerations.”
Regarding the release of George Glezmann, a U.S. citizen previously detained by the Taliban, Bruce acknowledged the significance of the development. She added:
“There are broader issues we are addressing, and we encourage a deeper reflection on the nature of these challenges. The steps we are taking are part of long-term processes not only to ensure the safety and return of American citizens but also to influence the evolving geopolitical landscape.” These remarks come in the wake of reports that a U.S. delegation, including Zalmay Khalilzad, the former special envoy for Afghanistan peace, and Adam Boehler, the U.S. President’s special representative for hostage affairs, arrived in Kabul on Thursday, March 20.
Coinciding with their visit, the Taliban released George Glezmann, an American national held in their custody, in what appears to have been a central objective of the delegation’s mission.
