LONDON — The U.K. will not recognize the Taliban “in the foreseeable future” but will engage directly with them, the British foreign secretary said during a visit to Qatar.
Speaking at a press conference in Doha after meeting Qatari leaders, Dominic Raab said Britain must be “pragmatic and realistic” in its approach toward the Taliban in Afghanistan. Qatar has become a key negotiator with the group, and is involved in discussions about how to reopen Kabul airport safely.
“We don’t recognize governments, we will not be recognizing the Taliban, but we do see the need to have direct engagement,” Raab said Thursday. “Otherwise we can’t provide messages, we can’t listen to their response. We will not be recognizing the Taliban any time in the foreseeable future.”
Providing safe passage for British nationals, Afghan citizens who worked for the U.K. during the British presence in Afghanistan and others who may be at most risk will be “the first test” for the Taliban, Raab said.
“Engagement will be important in order to set that early test. What we will be judging the Taliban by will be their actions, not their words,” he added.
The British minister called for an international alliance to be formed to “exert the maximum moderating influence” on the Taliban. The grouping should include countries in the region such as Qatar, as well as those “who will feel and be moved by the humanitarian risk and the plight,” he said.
Raab appeared alongside his counterpart Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Secretary of Qatar, who said there is no clear indication yet of when Kabul airport will be fully operational.
“We are working very hard and engaging with the Taliban on what are the gaps and the risks of having the airport up and running,” he said. “We remain hopeful that we will be able to operate it as soon as possible.”
Source: Politico
