US concurs with Taliban on inclusive govt

WASHINGTON (PAN Omar, especially those relating to an inclusive government and no use of Afghan soil against a foreign country.

However, the US did not agree with Omar’s claim that the Taliban were winning the war against foreign forces.

“We certainly would not,” State Department spokesperson Jen Psaki told reporters at her daily news conference.

 “He also said in his message that the Taliban believe in reaching understanding with the Afghans regarding an Afghan-inclusive government.  That’s obviously the goal we have long had,” Psaki said, adding that the US has seen the statement issued by Omar.

 “We are aware of Mullah Omar’s recent message to the Afghan people commenting on elections.  As you know, the United States supports transparent, credible, and inclusive Afghan elections and has a strong interest in providing technical support to help achieve this outcome,” she said. 

She said the US hoped all sections of Afghanistan, to participate as candidates, voters, and elections administrators, observers to ensure their representation in these important democratic institutions,” she said.

On Omar’s statement that the Taliban would not allow the use of Afghan soil against a third country, Psaki said that had certainly been the US view in the past. “But again, I think our focus here is on encouraging steps toward the elections next year.  We’re very supportive of those, and we hope all will participate,” she said.

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