KABUL Feb 2 Afghan Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the interim government The Taliban* condemned the imposition of visa restrictions by the United States against members of the Afghan elites, calling them a «violation of human rights» and an obstacle to the development of relations between the two countries, the agency said in a statement.
«The latest US statement imposing visa sanctions against a number of other leaders in the Islamic Emirate hinders the development of relations between the two sides … The continuation of illegal sanctions against the financial and banking system of Afghanistan is a clear violation of the human rights of the Afghan people and restricts access to the people of Afghanistan to many areas of a prosperous life,» the statement reads.
The agency urges the United States to abide by the agreement signed in Doha between the Taliban * and the United States, and also expressed its willingness to discuss contentious issues.
«The government of Afghanistan condemns the recent decision of the United States and reiterates that disputes must be resolved through diplomatic channels and through positive steps,» the Afghan ministry emphasizes.
Earlier, US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken said that the United States is imposing visa restrictions against representatives of the Afghan elites, who are accused in Washington of infringing on the rights of women. The sanctions apply to certain current and former Taliban activists*, members of non-state security forces and other individuals who, in particular, imposed a ban on women studying at universities and working in non-profit organizations.
* The movement is under UN sanctions for terrorist activities