UK may work with Talibans, says Defence Secretary
The United Kingdom is willing to work with the Taliban if it enters government in Afghanistan, Defence Secretary, Ben Wallace, said.
The militants would meet with representatives of the Afghanistan government later this week as Taliban fighters surged through the district after district and taking control of large swaths of the country amid the withdrawal of U.S. forces.
During a visit to Washington, Mr Wallace indicated his disappointment at President Joe Biden’s decision to withdraw U.S. forces, saying the rest of the international community had little choice but to follow suit.
But the defence secretary added that Whitehall was willing to work with the Taliban, who signed a deal with the U.S. in February 2020.
“Whatever the government of the day is, provided if it adheres to certain international norms, the UK government will engage with it,’’ Mr Wallace told the Daily Telegraph.
“Just like other governments around the world, if they behave in a way that is seriously against human rights, we will review that relationship.’’
The Wyre and Preston North MP acknowledged to the paper it would be difficult for the UK to work with a group responsible for the deaths of 457 British personnel, however he noted.
“All peace processes require you to come to terms with the enemy.’’
The U.S. withdrawal of forces was expected to conclude by August 31.
On Friday the Taliban claimed it controlled 85 per cent of Afghanistan’s territory.
The next day Prime Minister Boris Johnson said Britain was not abandoning its commitment to Afghanistan in spite of him signalling the end of the UK’s 20-year military mission in the country.
We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.
More from Peoples Gazette
Agriculture
FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology
The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices
Politics
Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku
“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”
NationWide
Focus on criminals, stop targeting journalists, CPJ tells Nigerian security agencies
She also pointed out harsh bail requirements imposed on journalists, describing Mr Ugagbe’s bail conditions as “utterly punitive.”
Education
Tinubu upgrades Nasarawa poly to university
Mr Onanuga said the approval followed a proposal by Senator Ahmed Aliyu, who represents the Nasarawa West Senatorial District.
Lagos
Lagos govt signs agreement to automate vehicle registration
Mr Osiyemi said the initiative would simplify and speed up vehicle registration by eliminating cumbersome processes.
States
Three rescued, one body recovered as building collapses in Kano
The PRO attributed the collapse to the use of poor and substandard building materials.
NationWide
FG calls for stronger African collaboration to combat illicit wealth, transnational corruption
Mr Fagbemi added that the recovery and transparent management of proceeds of crime remained a key pillar of the country’s anti-corruption policy.
Heading 2
FG reiterates commitment to ensuring safe return of Nigerians from South Africa
“The last evacuation flight, which is expected to bring home approximately 300 of our nationals, is expected to arrive in Nigeria next week,” Mr Ebienfa said.
