ICRC delegation in Kabul after Taliban threat its staffers

KABUL (Afghanistan Time): Foreign Minister Salahuddin Rabbani met Head of the ICRC Delegation in Afghanistan Mr. Schaerer Juan-Pedro, where they discussed issues of mutual interests, said ministry of foreign affairs on Tuesday.

The visit made after the Taliban insurgent said they are no more guaranteeing safety of their staffers under their controlled areas.

Mr. Schaerer talked about Red Cross’ challenges and activities in Afghanistan and explained the organization’s commitments for Afghanistan.

Having appreciated the activities of Red Cross in Afghanistan the Minister called Red Cross activities special and declared Afghanistan’s support for this organization.

This comes as recently the Taliban says it has temporarily stopped the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) from carrying out relief work in the areas it controls in Afghanistan and it has revoked security guarantees for their staff.

The insurgent group alleged in a statement that it has found WHO staff involved in “some suspicious activities” during vaccination campaigns, and that the ICRC failed to practically implement pledges given to the Taliban. The statement did not elaborate.

The Taliban insurgent group said until further orders, operations of the two organizations have been halted in areas controlled by them they will not be a responsible for the protection for the heads of these organizations.