US State Department: Recognition of Afghan Government Depends on Future Taliban Actions

"Respect Women's Rights and Avoid Extremist Terrorist Activities"

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Suhwan] The U.S. Department of State announced that it will recognize the Taliban government only if the Islamic militant group respects women's rights in Afghanistan and avoids extremist movements such as Al-Qaeda.

According to Fox News on the 16th (local time), Ned Price, spokesperson for the State Department, said at a press briefing that "our future stance on the Afghan government will ultimately depend on the actions of that government," adding, "It depends on the behavior of the Taliban."

Price emphasized the importance of not harboring terrorists and guaranteeing fundamental rights, including for women and girls who make up half the population, stating, "This is the kind of government we can cooperate with."

Price also actively defended the Biden administration's decision to withdraw from Afghanistan that day.

He said, "Without the support of the United States and the international community, the Afghan government could not have lasted for the past 20 years."

He further mentioned that Zalmay Khalilzad, the U.S. special envoy for Afghanistan, continues negotiations with the Taliban in Doha, Qatar, adding, "Some parts of the discussions have been constructive," and reiterated, "As for the Taliban, we will watch their actions rather than listen to their words."

On the 15th (local time), Taliban forces took control of the presidential palace in Kabul, the capital of Afghanistan. [Image source=AP Yonhap News]

When asked whether the U.S. still recognizes Ashraf Ghani, who fled abroad after surrendering to the Taliban, as the president of Afghanistan, Price did not give a specific answer, saying, "This is something we need to coordinate with the international community."

He also noted, "The political situation is changing very rapidly," and "There was no official transfer of power."

Price added that with Ghani's departure from Afghanistan, the U.S. diplomatic focus has shifted from supporting peace negotiations between the Afghan government and the Taliban to preventing violence.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.