The US special envoy for Afghanistan, Thomas West is to visit Japan, India and UAE from December 1-8, where he will meet with the Afghan diaspora and partners, the US Department of State said in a statement.
West will consult with Afghans and partners regarding the humanitarian and economic crises in Afghanistan, protection of Afghans’ rights, and shared security concerns.
“Special Representative West will also engage with the Afghan diaspora, including human rights, business, political, and media leaders on how to address these challenges,” the statement reads.
The Islamic Emirate, in reaction to West’s travels, called on Washington to lift restrictions on Afghanistan.
“They themselves created the problems which exist now–the sanctions and other issues, like banking issues and the assets of the people of Afghanistan that are still frozen,” said Bilal Karimi, deputy spokesman of the Islamic Emirate.
Political analysts said that India, Japan and the UAE are the allies of the US and that negotiation with these countries could have a positive impact on the situation in Afghanistan.
“This visit of Thomas West can make a new front in international competition,” said Fazal Rahman Oria, a political analyst.
“Their goal is to gain more attention to US policy regarding Afghanistan,” said Janat Fahim Chakari, a political analyst.—Tolonews
