Sources close to the Taliban have confirmed that the United Nations has “temporarily” removed sanctions on Taliban’s senior members who have held negotiations with US officials in Qatar.
According to the sources, all the 14 members of Taliban’s political office in Qatar, including Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar, head of Qatar office and deputy leader of the group, have been removed from the UN blacklist for nine months.
Anas Haqqani, Sher Mohammad Abbas Stanikzai, Amir Khan Muttaqi, Qari Din Mohammad, Zahidullah Ahmadzai and Mawlawi Ziaurrahman Madani are also among those who have been removed from the UN blacklist, local media reported.
“This issue [lifting bans] was discussed in the first meeting as well, but the Americans were making the excuse that for removing the names, the agreement of the Afghan government is needed. But this time, it is clear that the Americans have made the move, after their 16-day meeting [in Qatar], to reach an agreement,” said Nazar Mohammad Mutmaen, a political analyst familiar with Qatar talks as quoted by local media.
The Afghan government and the United Nations have not commented on the report.
Meanwhile, some critics suggest the move could ease the process for peace and build “trust” among both parties.
“This will not only facilitate the peace talks but will also create trust between the two sides,” said Iqbal Khyber, head of People’s Peace Movement as quoted by local media.
This comes after the US Special Envoy Zalmay Khalilzad and his team are expected to start a new round of talks with the Taliban in Qatar later this month.
Here is all you need to know about the last round of talks in Doha, Qatar:
- Doha Talks Continue Behind the Curtain
- Doha Talks Give Heads-up on U.S Troops Withdrawal
- Doha Talks Yet to Bear Fruit as Result
- Doha Talks Underway!
- US, Taliban to Discuss Peace Process in Doha
Khalilzad so far has held five rounds of talks with the Taliban which according to him, these meetings have been “productive”.
Follow TKG on Twitter & Facebook
