UN doesn't engage in recognition of govts, says deputy spokesman on Taliban's new govt

United Nations, September 8

As the Taliban announced a hardline interim government in Afghanistan, a spokesperson for Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said the UN does not engage in recognition of governments and reiterated that only a negotiated and inclusive settlement will bring sustainable peace to the conflict-torn country.

The Taliban on Tuesday unveiled a hardline interim government led by Mullah Mohammad Hasan Akhund, with key roles being shared by high-profile members of the insurgent group, including a specially designated global terrorist of the dreaded Haqqani Network as the interior minister.

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Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar will be Akhund's deputy in the "new Islamic government”.

“The UN Secretariat and the UN doesn't engage in acts of recognition of governments. That is a matter that's done by the member states, not by us,” Farhan Haq, Deputy Spokesman for the Secretary-General, said at the daily press briefing on Tuesday as he was asked equations about the Taliban announcing the caretaker government.

“From our standpoint, regarding today's announcement, only a negotiated and inclusive settlement will bring sustainable peace to Afghanistan."

"The United Nations remains committed to contributing to a peaceful solution, promoting the human rights of all Afghans, notably women and girls, promoting sustainable development in line with Agenda 2030, and providing life-saving humanitarian assistance and critical support to civilians in need,” Haq said.

The announcement of key figures in the caretaker government in Afghanistan comes weeks after the Taliban seized control of war-torn Afghanistan, ousting the previous elected leadership which was backed by the West. PTI