The Untied States is not advocating an interim government in Afghanistan, US charge d’affaires Ross Wilson said on Wednesday, following reports that Washington’s special envoy Zalmay Khalilzad raised interim government with Afghan politicians during his recent visit to Kabul.
“Ambassador Khalilzad and I have talked & will continue to talk with Afghans about the need to accelerate the talks in Doha & solicited from those we have met their ideas, as well as their concerns,” US charge d’affaires Wilson said on Twitter.
“We have not advocated, and the United States is not advocating, an interim government. The outcomes of Afghanistan Peace Negotiations are up to Afghans & we believe those outcomes should reflect the wishes & aspirations of the Afghan people,” Wilson said.
The envoy said that the United States is committed to bringing about an end to conflict in Afghanistan through a political settlement that ensures this country remains sovereign, unified and democratic, is at peace with itself and its neighbors can preserve gains made over the last 19 years.
He said that the first phase of Afghanistan Peace Negotiations in Doha constituted an important step forward, but much remains to be done.
“The United States remains firm in its call for an immediate reduction of violence and ceasefire,” he said.
