Diplomats’ insights on first day of Doha meeting on Afghanistan

The first day of the third Doha meeting began yesterday with remarks from Rosemary DiCarlo, the UN Deputy Secretary-General. The closed-door session gathered representatives from over 25 countries, and at least five international organizations focused on Afghanistan.

Ms. DiCarlo deemed the start of this meeting productive, stating on her Twitter page, “It is the first time such a comprehensive international community segment meets with the Taliban.” She also expressed satisfaction with bilateral meetings with country representatives during her visit to Doha.

The Taliban’s delegation has not universally assessed its first-day experience at the Doha meeting yet. However, based on meetings held by Zabihullah Mujahid, head of the delegation, with representatives from regional and global countries, and his media interviews, the first day of this meeting seemed satisfactory for the delegation.

Ahead of the primary session in Doha at 6:00 PM local time, Rosemary DiCarlo delivered a speech. The host country’s representative followed with his remarks, and Zabihullah Mujahid addressed the gathering as the third speaker.

The full content is unavailable since the session was held behind closed doors. However, diplomats from participating countries disclosed parts of this hidden session to the media.

Asif Durrani, Pakistan’s Special Representative for Afghan Affairs, dispelled concerns about the international legitimacy of the Taliban in Afghanistan and told reporters present at the venue, “Recognition of the Taliban by either party was not raised during the first day of the third Doha meeting.”

Thomas West, the United States Special Representative for Afghanistan, also revealed that all parties discussed human rights issues and the status of women and girls in Afghanistan during the first day of this meeting.

The widespread governance issue in Afghanistan is another topic that is expected to be discussed in this meeting, particularly by Iran and Russia. Hossein Kazemi Qomi, Iran’s Special Representative to the President of Afghanistan Affairs, stated his primary goal in participating in this meeting was striving to establish comprehensive governance in Afghanistan.

David Sproule, Canada’s Special Representative for Afghanistan, is the only diplomat to formally condemn the agenda of the third Doha meeting, labeling the absence of women and Afghan civil society representatives in this meeting as disappointing.

The second day of this meeting is divided into two separate sessions, with reports indicating that the first session at 8:30 AM local time will focus on the private sector, while the second session before lunch at 11:30 AM local time will address anti-narcotics policy.

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