On Thursday, Acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi discussed with Roza Otunbayeva, the head of UNAMA, regarding the ongoing positive interaction between the United Nations and the de facto administration. Hafiz Zia Ahmad Takal, the deputy spokesman for the foreign ministry, said.
Takal said that both parties shared their perspectives regarding the upcoming international meetings concerning Afghanistan, the reports presented by the UN, and the efforts against narcotics within Afghanistan. During the meeting, Muttaqi expressed his gratitude for the countries’ support of Afghanistan. He highlighted that the Islamic Emirate has established a transparent framework for assisting needy people.
In a recent report, the U.S. Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction (SIGAR) revealed that following the Taliban’s assumption of power in August 2021, the United States has allocated more than $2.35 billion in funds.
The quarterly report submitted to the U.S. Congress by SIGAR highlights a significant concern. It states, “In 2023, the primary obstacle impeding beneficiary access to aid is the interference by the Taliban in humanitarian assistance.” Astonishingly, the report cites a staggering 110 access incidents solely in April 2023, all directly linked to Taliban interference. Furthermore, Michael McCaul, the Chairman of the U.S. House Foreign Affairs Committee, has openly voiced his concerns regarding the involvement of the Taliban administration in the distribution of aid to Afghanistan.
He highlighted the urgent need for the Biden administration to be transparent about how funds are allocated to Afghanistan.
“It is despicable that U.S. taxpayer money is lining the pockets of a terrorist group like the Taliban, which persecutes Afghan women and girls. For months, I have asked the Biden administration to explain how they will help the people of Afghanistan while keeping U.S. money out of Taliban hands, without a response. This latest report underscores the urgent need for transparency from the Biden administration on funding to Afghanistan,” McCaul said. —PR
