KABUL (SW) – Defying all calls for ceasefire, the Taliban have vowed to continue with fighting as long as the foreign troops are stationed in Afghanistan.
Zabihullah Mujahed, the Taliban spokesman, told Salam Watandar in an exclusive interview the matter of ceasefire is not on the agenda for talks with the U.S. in Qatar. Mujahed said war has been imposed on them, and as long as the American troops are stationed in Afghanistan, fighting would continue. He added if fighting is halted, the U.S. forces would not leave the country.
This comes as fighting has flared-up across the country between the insurgents and the Afghan security forces.
Earlier this week, Zalmay Khalilzad, U.S. Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation, urged the Taliban to shun violence. “The Afghan people deserve and want a comprehensive ceasefire and negotiations leading to a lasting peace. The US stands with them”, he said in a series of tweets.
- Formation of ‘Islamic Government’
Mujahed told SW the Taliban would establish ‘Islamic Government’ in Afghanistan, and all laws would be streamlined in line with the Islamic principles.
About women rights, he said the limits of women rights and liberties would be set by the religious scholars in line with Islam. He stressed the Taliban would not accept western style of rights and liberties for women in Afghanistan.
He said the Taliban would elaborate their plans for the new system of government during next round of talks in Qatar.
ENDS
