Afghan Taliban welcome UN envoy's statement on economic stability, corruption reduction in Afghanistan

By Islamuddin Sajid

ISLAMABAD (AA) – The interim Taliban administration in Afghanistan on Thursday welcomed the UN special envoy's statement to the Security Council, recognizing Kabul's efforts to stabilize the economy and reduce corruption in the country.

The interim Afghan Foreign Ministry said in a statement that UN Secretary-General's Special Representative for Afghanistan Roza Otunbayeva has acknowledged the positive changes that have taken place in Afghanistan.

"Such as the effective ban on narcotics, macroeconomic stability, the elimination of corruption, access to education for girls in some spaces, collection of revenues, payment of salaries, significant improvement in security, and concerted efforts against Daesh," it said.

The interim Taliban administration reiterated its commitment to international norms and obligations that do not contradict Islamic law principles, violate Afghan cultural norms, or jeopardize national interests, the statement said.

"We, therefore, urge all actors to respect the peremptory norm of non-interference and cease all attempts at meddling in our internal affairs, including the modalities and composition of our government and laws," it added.

On Wednesday, Otunbayeva told the Security Council that Afghanistan's economy is stable, albeit at a low level of equilibrium.

"The World Bank reports that inflation is declining and the exchange rate remains steady. This is due in part to the welcome reduction in high-level corruption," she told the Security Council.

However, she said it is ''nearly impossible'' for the international community to recognize the Taliban unless their interim administration lifts the ban on women's rights, as the UN continues to face a complicated situation in Afghanistan due to restrictions on women working for the organization.

Last April, the Taliban stopped Afghan women from working with non-governmental organizations.

She also warned that while UN humanitarian efforts continue to address the needs of nearly 20 million people in need of assistance, UN cash shipments, which are required for humanitarian operations, are expected to decline as donor funding declines.

This could have a negative impact on monetary stability, said Otunbayeva.