Sign up for our free daily newsletter

Taliban say they not looking to rule Afghanistan alone

Jan 30, 2019 | 5:39 AM

ISLAMABAD — A spokesman for the Taliban says they are not seeking a monopoly on power in a future administration in Afghanistan but are looking for ways to co-exist with Afghan institutions.

Wednesday’s remarks by Shaheen Suhail are the most conciliatory comments to date from the Islamic militant group. He provided them to The Associated Press in an audio message from Qatar, where the Taliban maintain an office.

Suhail says that once U.S. forces withdraw from Afghanistan, the Taliban want to live with other Afghans, “tolerate one another and start life like brothers.”

He says: “We believe in an inclusive Afghan world, where all Afghans can see themselves in it.”

Suhail’s remarks come as the U.S. envoy tasked with resolving Afghanistan’s 17-year war has reported progress in his talks with the Taliban.

The Associated Press

View Comments