KABUL (SW) – Nils Schmid, spokesperson for Germany’s Social Democratic Party (SPD) led by the country’s current Prime Minister, has called for the establishment of diplomatic relations with the Islamic Emirate and the reopening of the German embassy in Kabul.
In an article for the “Tagesspiegel” newspaper, Schmid argues that long-term sanctions benefit no one and will not bring an end to the Islamic Emirate’s rule in Afghanistan.
He emphasized that Germany must reconsider its policies towards the Islamic Emirate, noting that this should not be seen as recognizing the de-facto government in Afghanistan.
“Sending diplomats is the only way we can get a clear and accurate picture of the country’s situation. A year-long sanction will help no one and will not end the rule of the Islamic Emirate,” Schmid wrote.
On the other side, Hamdullah Fetrat, Deputy Spokesperson for the Islamic Emirate, welcomed the discussion about reopening the German embassy in Kabul. He stated that the Islamic Emirate is ready to resume diplomatic relations with Germany.
“If Germany wants to send its diplomats to Afghanistan, the Islamic Emirate will facilitate this process. If diplomatic relations are established, mutual understanding will also increase,” Fetrat added.
As of now, the German government and its Foreign Ministry have not commented on this matter.
Schmid’s remarks come as Germany closed its embassy in Kabul in August 2021, coinciding with the rise of the Islamic Emirate to power.
