Afghan Taliban Declines to Return US Arms, Invites Investment in Minerals
The Afghan Taliban has refused to return military arms left by the US, claiming they are state assets. Abdul Qahar Balkhi emphasized that Afghanistan will not give away these assets. Meanwhile, the Taliban is open to foreign investment in its mineral sector, following diplomatic interactions with US officials. Approximately $7 billion in Afghan assets remain frozen under the Biden administration.
The Afghan Taliban has firmly stated that it will not return leftover arms to the United States, asserting that these were now considered state assets of Afghanistan. Abdul Qahar Balkhi, the spokesperson for the Foreign Ministry, dismissed President Donald Trump’s request to exchange frozen Afghan currency assets for military hardware. He remarked, “States do not give away their assets,” emphasizing the Taliban’s ownership over the arms.
Despite this stance, the Taliban expressed willingness to engage in business with various nations, including the United States, particularly in the mineral sector. This proposal emerged after a meeting between Adam Boehler, Trump’s Hostage Affairs Envoy, and Maulvi Amir Khan Muttaqi, the interim Foreign Minister of Afghanistan. Notably, this encounter marked the first public communication between Washington and the Taliban since US withdrawal.
Boehler’s visit was significant as he was accompanied by the former US Special Envoy, Zalmay Khalilzad. Approximately $7 billion in Afghan foreign assets remain frozen by the government under President Joe Biden since the pullout of US-led forces from Afghanistan. In prior statements, Trump criticized the Biden administration for allowing military assets valued at around $7 billion to be left behind during the chaotic withdrawal.
In conclusion, the Taliban has stated it will not relinquish military arms to the United States, emphasizing their status as state assets. While rejecting Trump’s request, the Taliban remains open to foreign investment in Afghanistan’s mineral sector. The developments signify a critical moment in US-Taliban relations following the withdrawal of US forces from Afghanistan.
Original Source: www.aa.com.tr
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