The Prime Minister in the Taliban government, Mullah Mohammad Hassan Akhund. Photo/Russia Today
“We assure all countries that we will not interfere in their internal affairs and we want to have good economic relations with them,” Mullah Mohammad Hassan Akhund, one of the Taliban’s founders and now the prime minister of his government, promised. Russia Today, Sunday (11/28/2021).
During his 30-minute speech, Hassan insisted that the Taliban were doing their best to solve the problems facing the Afghan people. He also blamed the previous government who supported United States of America (US), calling it the weakest government in the world.
Afghanistan faces the prospect of a humanitarian catastrophe, with the United Nations saying half of its 38 million population is on the brink of starvation. Inflation has spiraled out of control and food prices are soaring as the country’s economy struggles.
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That was further crippled by sanctions and the withdrawal of foreign aid after the Taliban’s seizure of power when US troops pulled out of the country. This foreign aid previously accounted for up to 75% of Afghanistan’s budget under the previous administration.
“We call on all international charitable organizations not to withhold their aid and help our exhausted country,” the Taliban leader said.
He also reiterated calls to Washington for the US$10 billion of Afghan funds frozen in response to regime change in the country.
Hassan’s speech comes ahead of talks between the Taliban and the US next week in the Qatari capital, Doha. The group previously said it planned to push the Biden administration to recognize his government and seek American help in rebuilding Afghanistan during negotiations.
Also read: Back to Sit One Table, This is the Taliban’s List of Demands for the US
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