The United States says that the new Taliban office in Qatar must not be treated as an embassy.
“We do not recognize the name ‘Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan’ and are pleased that Qatar has clarified that the name of the office is the Political Office of the Afghan Taliban, and has had the sign with the incorrect name in front of the door taken down,” US Deputy Ambassador to the UN Rosemary DiCarlo said at a UN Security Council meeting on Afghanistan on Thursday.
“We have underscored that the office must not be treated as, or represent itself as, an embassy or other office representing the Afghan Taliban as an emirate, government, or sovereign,” the US envoy said, adding that the US takes the opening of the Taliban office as “an important first step” for easing a political settlement.
“While there may be bumps in the road, the fact that the parties have an opportunity to talk and discuss Afghanistan’s future is very important,” she said.
The tension between Washington and Kabul broke out on Tuesday when the Taliban opened a new political office in the Qatari capital Doha under the name of Å“the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan.”
On Wednesday, Afghan lawmakers voiced their strong opposition to the opening of the controversial office in Doha.
The Afghan government has also suspended strategic talks with Washington to discuss the nature of US presence after foreign troops withdraw in 2014.
The United States and its allies invaded Afghanistan in 2001 as part of Washingtonâ„¢s so-called war on terror. The offensive removed the Taliban from power, but after almost 12 years, insecurity remains across the country.
IA/MHB
This article originally appeared on: Press TV