Taliban protest leaves Qatar office closed
| Publisher | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |
| Publication Date | 9 July 2013 |
| Cite as | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Taliban protest leaves Qatar office closed, 9 July 2013, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/51e79b9ab17.html [accessed 30 May 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
July 09, 2013
The Afghan Taliban has temporarily closed its office in Qatar to protest the removal of the Taliban flag and a sign with the movement's formal name, the "Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan," on it.
Taliban officials were quoted by AP on the reasoning behind the shuttering, with sources adding that Taliban negotiators in Doha stopped using the office soon after the symbols were removed last month.
The insurgents blame Washington and Afghan President Hamid Karzai for using the issue as an excuse to abandon peace talks.
Karzai accused the Taliban of using the office to set up a government in exile.
The office raised hopes for a negotiated end to the war in Afghanistan, which is in its 12th year.
Based on reporting by AP and tribune.com.pk
Link to original story on RFE/RL website
