Washington, (TDI): The State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller has reaffirmed that Afghanistan remains a priority in the U.S. foreign policy.
During a press conference, Miller highlighted the country’s continued engagement despite the challenges faced in recent years.
“Of course it is, and we will continue to stay engaged on Afghanistan. It remains an enduring priority,” Miller stated when asked whether Afghanistan continues to be a focus for U.S. foreign policy.
He announced that U.S. efforts in Afghanistan will now be led by Karen Decker, Chief of Mission for the U.S. Mission to Afghanistan, along with Special Envoy Rina Amiri and Ambassador John Mark Pommersheim.
Miller’s remarks follow the conclusion of Thomas West’s tenure as U.S. Special Representative for Afghanistan, with Decker, Amiri, and Pommersheim assuming key roles in shaping U.S. policy toward the country.
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Meanwhile, human rights activists and international organizations have expressed frustration over the U.S. response to the Taliban’s human rights violations since the group regained power in Afghanistan three years ago.
Critics contend that the U.S. has not taken significant or concrete action against the Taliban’s widespread abuses, especially concerning women’s rights.
In a related development, Germany, Australia, the Netherlands, and Canada issued a joint statement during the 79th United Nations General Assembly, announcing their intention to file a complaint against the Taliban with the International Court of Justice (ICJ).
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The complaint addresses violations of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women.
The four countries warned that if the Taliban do not cease their violations of women’s rights within six months, they will pursue legal action at the ICJ in The Hague.
However, the United States has not yet formally endorsed this initiative.
