Beijing likely to host Troika-plus meeting this month

China wants discussion on Afghan situation before start of new Chinese year

ISLAMABAD:

Senior diplomats from Pakistan, Russia, China and the United States are likely to meet in Beijing later this month to discuss the current situation in Afghanistan, particularly how to avoid a humanitarian crisis in the war-torn country.

A senior official confirmed to The Express Tribune on Tuesday that the next meeting of the troika-plus or extended troika, as it is called, was being planned in Beijing. According to the official, the meeting could take place this month.

“The Chinese side wants to schedule the meeting before the start of Chinese New Year,” the official said on condition of anonymity. Since, the Chinese new year begins on the first of February, which means that the next meeting of the troika plus might take place later this month.

However, the official said the Covid-19 pandemic particularly the spread of the new variant of coronavirus might delay the meeting since Chinese authorities had strict protocols.

The last meeting of the special envoys of four countries was held in Islamabad in November. Afghan acting foreign minister Amir Muttaqi, who was on a visit to Pakistan, also interacted with the envoys. Muttaqi was told in clear terms that the Taliban government needed to follow more “moderate policies”.

In a joint statement, Pakistan, Russia, China and the United States agreed to continue “practical engagement” with the Taliban government, while making clear that the Kabul regime needed to do more before the international community formally recognised them.

A closer look at the joint statement issued by the Troika Plus on November 11 suggested that the international community was not yet ready to recognise the Taliban government.

While the joint statement agreed to remain engaged with the Taliban government, provide humanitarian and economic assistance, it reminded the administration in Kabul of the steps it needed to take for formal recognition.

“Called on the Taliban to work with fellow Afghans to take steps to form an inclusive and representative government that respects the rights of all Afghans and provides for the equal rights of women and girls to participate in all aspects of Afghan society,” read the joint communiqué after the meeting with Muttaqi.

Read Troika Plus seeks Afghan roadmap in 10 days

The inclusive government is one of the three main conditions the international community, particularly the West, wants the Taliban to fulfil. A Pakistani official said the Taliban agreed with the need for an inclusive government but their definition of inclusivity was at variance from the outside world.

They emphasised that access to education for women and girls at all levels was an international obligation and encouraged the Taliban to accelerate efforts to provide for full and equal access to education countrywide.

Pakistan said that it was important to enhance engagement with the Taliban government. The troika plus is trying to develop a consensus on how to move forward on Afghanistan. Pakistan, Russia and China are in favour of the US unfreezing $9.5 billion assets of the Afghan central bank.

Beijing and Moscow also believe that Washington should bear the main responsibility of averting the humanitarian and economic crises since the US was responsible for the mess in the war-torn country. But diplomatic sources say that the US is not willing to take the lead and is pressing other players to contribute.

Nevertheless, despite some differences, all four countries are willing to find a common ground and send a unified message to the Taliban government.

All four countries have been urging the Taliban government to meet the expectations of the international community. Those exceptions are related to the formation of a more inclusive and representative government, women rights and cutting ties with terrorists.