Will continue to have robust diplomatic presence in Kabul: US Embassy
July 5, 2021: The U.S. embassy in Kabul said Monday it would continue to operate in the country, as fears of an increase in shutdowns amid growing uncertainty in Afghanistan amid a military withdrawal.
“The US Embassy in Kabul is open and will remain open. As directed by President Biden, we will continue to have a strong diplomatic presence in Kabul to carry out what we do with the Government and people of Afghanistan. The embassy has no intention of closing,” the embassy said on Twitter.
It added: “The US Embassy is planning to respond to emergencies and threats to its people and programs. We are aware of the security challenges to operating in Afghanistan and to address those challenges. If necessary We will adjust our presence. “
The embassy added, “We are confident that we will be able to conduct our work safely for the benefit of Afghanistan and our bilateral relations. Like all our missions abroad, the Embassy is committed to our safety Security plans are in place. Personnel and facilities. “
“As President Biden and Secretary Blankenship have stated, as the US military presence in Afghanistan draws to a close, the US Embassy will continue our diplomatic, humanitarian and security assistance programs in Afghanistan.”
On June 12, the State Department said that the United States believes that the international diplomatic presence in Kabul requires a “working, safe” airport, without delay suggesting that embassies could be forced to close without one.
The statement came a day after a Taliban spokesman effectively rejected Turkey’s suggestion that its troops, following the departure of a US-led foreign force, protect Hamid Karzai International Airport and Are there to protect. As the Taliban, Kabul poses serious questions to the United States, other countries, and international organizations that have missions in Kabul about how to evacuate civilians from the region, which is fighting a war in the capital, Afghanistan.
“We emphasize that for any international diplomatic presence, a functioning, safe airport is essential and will benefit Afghan travelers and the Afghan economy,” the spokesman said in response to the Taliban statement.
The spokesman declined to comment. But his comments send a message to the Islamist Taliban that unless countries with embassies in Kabul realize that their diplomats cannot safely access an airport, they will close their missions. U.S. officials say they believe the rebels want international legitimacy and end their mercury status.
Australia closed its embassy in Kabul last month due to security concerns. US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken pledged last month to keep the US embassy open. President Joe Biden’s decision to withdraw from America’s longest-running war, stalled negotiations and non-violent violence have fueled fears that Afghanistan is heading for a full-blown civil war that could bring the Taliban back to power. He is expected to hold talks with Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan in Brussels on Monday.
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