The Taliban have offered a pledge of reconciliation, vowing no revenge against opponents and to respect women’s rights in a “different” rule of Afghanistan from two decades ago. The announcements came on Tuesday night shortly after the return to Afghanistan of their co-founder, crowning the group’s astonishing comeback after being ousted by a US-led invasion in 2001.
With huge concerns globally about the Taliban’s brutal human rights record and tens of thousands of Afghans still trying to flee the country they held their first press conference from Kabul.
“All those in the opposite side are pardoned from A to Z,” Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid told foreign and local reporters, revealing his identity for the first time. If the question is based on ideology, and beliefs, there is no difference… but if we calculate it based on experience, maturity, and insight, no doubt there are many differences,” Mujahid told reporters.
He also said they were “committed to letting women work in accordance with the principles of Islam”, without offering specifics. A spokesman for the group in Doha, Suhail Shaheen, told Britain’s Sky News that women would not be required to wear the all-covering burqa, but he did not say what attire would be acceptable.
Nevertheless, Afghans and foreigners continued to flee the country, with the United States and other nations stepping up evacuation airlifts from Kabul. US President Joe Biden’s administration gave a non-committal response to the Taliban’s pledges of tolerance.
“If the Taliban says they are going to respect the rights of their citizens, we will be looking for them to uphold that statement and make good on that statement,” State Department spokesman Ned Price said.
Russia and China have quickly signalled their willingness to work with the Taliban. Russia said that the Taliban’s initial assurances had been a “positive signal” and the militants were behaving in a “civilised manner.
In other news – Black Coffee pens sweet birthday note to son, Esona as he turns 22
Black Coffee writes a sweet birthday note to his son, Esona who is 22-year-old today, 18th of August, 2021. Taking to social media, the international DJ prayed for his son and shared his photos.
“It’s my lil man’s birthday today. Happy birthday big guy, may God continue to lead and be the guiding force in your life. love you,” the DJ captioned the post. Learn more
Source: eNCA
