Tehran-IRAF-reports indicate that the European Parliament and the Belgian Senate are expected, for the first time, to host several political and military opponents of the Taliban on March 16 and 17.
Sources say this would mark the first public engagement by European institutions with armed opponents of the Taliban. Previously, international meetings had mainly focused on humanitarian aid, women’s rights, and refugee-related issues, but this time discussions will focus on political opposition and armed resistance against the Taliban.
In recent years, the European Union has consistently emphasized limited engagement with the Taliban and has avoided establishing official and public relations with their opponents.
Belgium has previously hosted meetings related to Afghanistan. Earlier this year, the European External Action Service held a meeting in Brussels on Afghanistan’s political situation, humanitarian conditions, and basic needs. The European Parliament also held public sessions in 2022 on the rights of Afghan women.
While sources report that the European Parliament and the Belgian Senate plan to host military opponents of the Taliban, the news has not yet been officially confirmed. Meanwhile, Gilles Bertrand, the European Union’s Special Envoy for Afghanistan, had previously emphasized the need to maintain engagement with the Taliban government.
The senior European diplomat stated that, contrary to some views, there is no strong demand within Afghanistan for the international community to completely cut ties with the Taliban. Continued engagement, albeit principled and conditional, is still considered necessary.
He also stressed that recognition of the Taliban government would only be possible if conditions set by the international community are met, including the formation of an inclusive government, respect for human rights, and adherence to Afghanistan’s international commitments. Otherwise, international sanctions and restrictions will remain in place.
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