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Khalilzad back on track with talks as he heads for region

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Last Updated on: March 1, 2021

US Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation Zalmay Khalilzad has embarked on another trip to Germany, Afghanistan and regional countries, aimed at strengthening the Afghan peace process, sources said.

Khalilzad was on Sunday in Germany and is expected to travel to Qatar, Afghanistan, Pakistan, UAE and a number of other regional countries in the coming days, sources added.

“He will resume discussions on the way ahead with the Islamic Republic and Afghan leaders, Taliban representatives, and regional countries whose interests are best served by the achievement of a just and durable political settlement and permanent and comprehensive ceasefire,” the US State Department said in a statement on Sunday.

This comes as negotiations between the Afghan government and the Taliban peace teams resumed last week after more than a month of delays.

Meanwhile, the Afghan State Ministry for Peace Affairs is optimistic about Khalilzad’s trip to the region.

“We welcome the US Special Envoy’s trip. The United States is a good strategic partner for Afghanistan and we hope this trip will be more effective in facilitating the peace process in Afghanistan,” State Minister for Peace, Sayed Sadat Mansoor Nader said.

The Taliban urged Washington to uphold its part of the US-Taliban agreement signed a year ago Sunday and stated the release of remaining prisoners and the end of blacklists have yet to be implemented.

The Taliban meanwhile issued a statement Sunday that urged the US to uphold its commitments as part of the agreement. 

The group stated that “the release of remaining prisoners and end of blacklists are part of the agreement that have yet to be implemented.”

Khalilzad, a Republican, brokered a deal with the Taliban on behalf of the US last year and was asked to stay on in the position by US President Joe Biden for the sake of continuity. 

The move is not typical, as traditionally incoming administrations replace politically appointed officials with their own team, particularly in foreign policy matters.

In late January, new US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said: “We’ve asked him to continue the vital work that he’s performing.” 

Khalilzad is a veteran of Republican administrations and served as US ambassador to the United Nations, Iraq and Afghanistan under former President George W Bush.

Former President Donald Trump’s administration then tasked Khalilzad, who was born in Afghanistan, with negotiating with the Taliban.

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IEA’s supreme leader chairs cabinet meeting in Kandahar, urges stronger religious education and public service

The IEA leader stressed that strengthening the country’s Islamic system depends on expanding religious education and increasing public awareness of Islamic teachings.

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The supreme leader of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (IEA), Hibatullah Akhundzada, chaired a meeting of the Council of Ministers in Kandahar, where he called for greater emphasis on religious education, justice, accountability, and public service, according to Deputy Spokesman Hamdullah Fitrat.

Speaking at the meeting, Akhundzada provided guidance to cabinet members on carrying out their responsibilities, implementing Sharia-based directives, addressing public concerns, and serving citizens with sincerity and commitment, Fitrat said.

The IEA leader stressed that strengthening the country’s Islamic system depends on expanding religious education and increasing public awareness of Islamic teachings. He urged officials to uphold Islamic values, provide religious guidance, and work to protect society from influences he described as harmful to moral and religious principles.

Akhundzada also underscored the importance of justice, humility, accountability, and ethical conduct among government officials, saying their actions should reflect Islamic teachings and set a positive example for the public.

According to Fitrat, the supreme leader further called for the expansion of Islamic education nationwide, noting that knowledge and strong religious conviction contribute to stability and effective governance.

The Council of Ministers also reviewed the implementation of previous decisions and discussed a range of administrative, economic, social, and political issues. Officials presented progress reports on ongoing programs, while decisions were taken on measures aimed at improving educational services and strengthening the country’s economic and political sectors.

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Iran warns Afghan migrants against unauthorized anti-IEA protests

Officials emphasized that all public gatherings are required to comply with Iranian law and obtain official authorization before being held.

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Iranian authorities have warned Afghan migrants living in the country that any protest, demonstration, gathering, or sit-in directed against the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (IEA) must receive prior approval from relevant government authorities or participants could face legal consequences.

The warning was issued in a notice published by the Directorate General of the Bureau for Aliens and Foreign Immigrants Affairs (BAFIA) in Razavi Khorasan Province. Officials emphasized that all public gatherings are required to comply with Iranian law and obtain official authorization before being held.

According to the notice, reported by Tasnim News Agency on June 12, any call by foreign nationals for demonstrations or public assemblies without a permit is considered illegal and may lead to legal action. Authorities also urged Afghan migrants to ensure that all activities are conducted in accordance with the laws and regulations of the Islamic Republic of Iran.

The directive comes amid ongoing engagement between Tehran and the administration of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan. Relations between the two sides have remained relatively close in recent years, with both governments maintaining diplomatic contacts and cooperation on a range of issues.

The warning has drawn attention as discussions surrounding Afghan migrant communities and regional political developments continue, particularly during periods of heightened tension in the region.

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US deports Afghan migrants to conflict-hit Central African Republic

The Central African Republic is considered one of the world’s poorest nations and has endured decades of violence, political unrest and human rights challenges.

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The United States has deported a group of migrants, including citizens of Afghanistan, Iran, Iraq and Armenia, to the Central African Republic, a country facing ongoing insecurity, armed conflict and political instability.

According to reports by CBS News, around 20 migrants were transferred from the US to the Central African Republic on Friday. The group reportedly included Afghan nationals, although authorities have not released detailed information about their identities or legal status.

The Central African Republic is considered one of the world’s poorest nations and has endured decades of violence, political unrest and human rights challenges. The US State Department has issued one of its highest travel warnings for the country, advising American citizens not to travel there due to security concerns.

The deportations are part of the Trump administration’s policy of sending certain migrants to so-called “third countries” as part of broader immigration enforcement measures. US officials say the initiative is aimed at accelerating the removal of migrants who no longer have legal authorization to remain in the country.

The move has drawn criticism from immigration lawyers and human rights advocates. They argue that some deportees had previously received legal protections preventing their return to their countries of origin because of fears of persecution, conflict or other serious risks.

Rights groups have also expressed concern over the fate of those sent to the Central African Republic, warning that transferring migrants to a country where they have no family ties, legal status or support network could expose them to significant humanitarian and security challenges.

The Central African Republic is the latest country to reportedly cooperate with Washington in accepting third-country deportees. Several countries in Africa and Latin America have previously agreed to receive migrants deported from the United States under similar arrangements.

Observers say the policy marks a significant expansion of US deportation efforts and has intensified debate over the treatment and protection of vulnerable migrants.

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