Former Afghan president Hamid Karzai had a phone conversation with the US special envoy for Afghanistan Thomas West about the ongoing crisis in the country and the latest obstacles in the way of distributing aid to the people.
In a series of tweets, Karzai said both parties emphasized the need for the acceleration of humanitarian aid, for improved access to aid for the people, and the removal of obstacles in the way of distributing aid.
They both also noted the need for the Taliban’s ban on women working for humanitarian aid agencies to be lifted. In addition, the “talked about the reopening of schools and universities for girls and the return of women to work,” including the need for “lasting peace and stability in the country.”
West in turn tweeted that he spoke with Karzai about the “urgent need to see women and girls return to school and work,” and for steps to be taken “toward dialogue among Afghans, Matiullah Wesa’s unjust detention, and women’s vital role in aid delivery.”
Earlier West said he had met with former deputy foreign minister under the republic government, Hekmat Khalil Karzai. He said the two shared Iftar and that Hekmat Karzai “is among Afghans seeking to drive solidarity among diverse voices who believe in dialogue and a brighter future for their country.”
Hekmat Karzai in turn said the two “discussed a host of issues including the urgent need for reversing the ban on girls’ education and to restore women’s right to work. We also highlighted the importance of an Afghan national dialogue.”
