{"id":5954,"date":"2021-08-31T09:02:53","date_gmt":"2021-08-31T09:02:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/swn.af\/en\/?p=5954"},"modified":"2021-08-31T09:02:53","modified_gmt":"2021-08-31T09:02:53","slug":"khalilzad-says-afghans-face-a-moment-of-decision-opportunity","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/swn.af\/en\/2021\/08\/khalilzad-says-afghans-face-a-moment-of-decision-opportunity\/","title":{"rendered":"Khalilzad says Afghans face a moment of decision, opportunity"},"content":{"rendered":"

MONITORING (SW) \u2013 Our war in Afghanistan is over, said the top US envoy for the war-torn country as Washington moves diplomatic mission from Kabul to Doha, Qatar.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Zalmay Khalilzad, who represented the US in negotiations with the Taliban, tweeted that Afghans now \u201cface a moment of decision and opportunity.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cTheir country\u2019s future is in their hands. They will choose their path in full sovereignty. This is the chance to bring their war to an end as well,\u201d said Khalilzad, who shuttled between the world capitals to shore up support for foreign forces\u2019 withdrawal from Afghanistan.<\/p>\n

It eventually led to a deal between the US and the Taliban on Feb. 29 last year in the Qatari capital Doha that finalized the exit of foreign forces from Afghanistan.<\/p>\n

Quoting 13th-century poet Jalaluddin Rumi, who was from Afghanistan, Khalilzad said: \u201cIt’s your path, and yours alone. Others may walk it with you, but no one can walk it for you.\u201d<\/p>\n

Wishing a \u201cprosperous future for Afghans, one born of peace and stability,\u201d the US envoy said the Taliban now \u201cface a test.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cCan they lead their country to a safe and prosperous future where all their citizens, men, and women, have the chance to reach their potential? Can Afghanistan present the beauty and power of its diverse cultures, histories, and traditions to the world?\u201d he asked, adding: \u201cThis long war has shaped Americans and Afghans in many ways good and bad.\u201d<\/p>\n

Meanwhile, the US has transferred its diplomatic presence from Kabul, Afghanistan to Doha, Qatar, Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced Monday, reported Anadolu Agency.<\/p>\n

With the US earlier in the day announcing the completion of the pullout of all its forces from Afghanistan, ending the 20-year war, Blinken said at a press conference in Washington that \u201ca new chapter of America’s engagement with Afghanistan has begun.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt’s one in which we will lead with our diplomacy,\u201d he stressed. \u201cThe military mission is over. A new diplomatic mission has begun.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAs of today, we suspended our diplomatic presence in Kabul and transferred our operations to Doha, Qatar, which will soon be formally notified to Congress,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

\u201cGiven the uncertain security environment, political situation in Afghanistan, it was the prudent step to take,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n

More than 123,000 people, including 6,000 American citizens, have been safely flown out of Afghanistan, according to Blinken.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis has been a massive military, diplomatic and humanitarian undertaking \u2013 one of the most difficult in our nation’s history,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

Blinken also said that less than 200 Americans, closer to 100, remain in Afghanistan and want to leave.<\/p>\n

ENDS<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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