UN’s Markus Potzel calls for national dialogue in Afghanistan

KABUL (TOLOnews): The UN deputy special representative for Afghanistan Markus Potzel called for national dialogue in Afghanistan and the formation of an inclusive government.
In an interview with TOLOnews, Potzel urged the Islamic Emirate to remain committed to the pledges it has made to the international community.
“Both inclusive government to reflect the different (ethnic groups) of Afghanistan, and the Taliban should also fulfil their international pledges,” Potzel said.
Potzel said that it is nearly impossible to imagine that any country will recognize the Taliban.
“Recognition is the issue of the member states. The member states recognize them but at the moment it is nearly impossible to imagine that any country will recognize the Taliban given the policy directed against women and girls,” Potzel.
He said that the UN Assistant Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) is engaged with the Taliban on daily bases.
“We as UNAMA as the UN, we engage with the Taliban on a daily basis, so do other members of the international community, but so far we haven’t seen any indication that the Taliban will change course. On the contrary, I think the course they have taken, discriminatory course, has widened the gap between Afghanistan and the international community,” Potzel said.
Earlier, the Islamic Emirate has said there is no need for national dialogue in Afghanistan.