The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan has reacted to the recent U.S. decision to designate the country as a “state sponsor of wrongful detention,” describing the move as “regrettable” and calling for continued diplomatic engagement between the two sides.
In the statement issued on Tuesday, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Abdul Qahar Balkhi said the government of Afghanistan underscores that no foreign nationals have been detained for the purpose of a deal, adding that certain individuals were detained on charges of violating established laws and, in many instances, were released in the normal course following the completion of legal procedures. He also noted that over the past year the Islamic Emirate has taken positive steps as goodwill gestures regarding the cases of some detained U.S. nationals.
Furthermore, the spokesperson said discussions between the government of Afghanistan and the United States have been held at various levels with the facilitation of Qatar. During these discussions both sides have made commitments to undertake a number of positive steps, he said.
The Afghan government expressed hope that the matter will be appropriately resolved and concluded through ongoing discussions and constructive engagement between the two sides.
Earlier, the United States designated Afghanistan as a “State Sponsor of Wrongful Detention,” accusing the ruling Taliban of kidnapping and detaining foreign nationals for ransom or policy concessions. In a press statement, Marco Rubio, the U.S. Secretary of State, alleged that the Taliban continues to use what he described as terrorist-style tactics, including kidnapping individuals for ransom or to seek policy concessions. He urged the release of Dennis Coyle and Mahmoud Habibi, along with all other Americans allegedly being unjustly detained in Afghanistan.