Doha: Qatar has categorically stated that the Taliban have demonstrated “pragmatism” and should be judged on their actions as the undisputed rulers of Afghanistan, but stopped short of announcing formal recognition of the Islamists, reports AFP. In fact, according to a top minister in the Qatari administration, the recognition would not happen soon.
Qatari Assistant Foreign Minister Lolwah al-Khater told AFP in an exclusive interview that it would be up to the Afghans to determine their future, not the international community. Doha played the intermediary role between the Taliban, who opened a political office in Qatar in 2013.
“They have shown a great deal of pragmatism. Let’s seize the opportunities there… and look at their public actions,” said Khater, who however didn’t divulge whether her country would formally acknowledge the Taliban government. “They are the de facto rulers, no question about that,” she said.
The Taliban announced a caretaker government headed by Mullah Mohammad Hassan Akhund on Tuesday but are yet to receive formal recognition from any United Nations member state, including Qatar.
But Khater, noted “some good gestures” from the new Taliban rulers of Afghanistan. “The very fact many evacuees were able to leave Kabul — including many female students — is a showcase, because without their cooperation, it would not have been possible,” she added.
“We don’t rush to a recognition. But we don’t completely disengage with the Taliban,” she elaborated.
