Status: 05.09.2021 02:12 a.m.
Many asylum seekers want to leave the Taliban’s Afghanistan for Germany – that is why the German government needs contacts with the Taliban. They, in turn, are now making clear demands.
After taking power in Afghanistan, the Taliban are demanding official diplomatic relations and financial aid from Germany. “We want strong and official diplomatic relations with Germany,” said Taliban spokesman Sabiullah Mujahid of “Welt am Sonntag”. Accordingly, the Taliban would like the German government and other countries to provide financial support, humanitarian aid and cooperation in health, agriculture and education.
The Germans have always been welcome in Afghanistan, Mujahid told the newspaper. Even at the time of the kingdom about a hundred years ago, the Germans would have done a lot of good in Afghanistan. “Unfortunately, they then joined the Americans. But that is now forgiven,” said Mujahid.
Dependent on conversations because of those seeking protection
Germany depends on talks with the Taliban because after the end of the military evacuation operation it wants to enable more people seeking protection to leave the country. Federal Foreign Minister Heiko Maas said a few days ago: “If it were politically possible and if the security situation allows it, then Germany should have its own embassy again in Kabul.” The SPD politician also emphasized that diplomatic representation does not mean recognition of a Taliban government.
The German government closed the embassy in Kabul after the Taliban’s triumphant advance. Ambassador Markus Potzel was sent to Doha in Qatar to hold talks with the Islamists. The Taliban have their political office in the capital of the Gulf emirate, which acts as a kind of foreign ministry. However, the first Taliban representatives have already returned to Afghanistan from Doha. That is why there are considerations of how to maintain a close contact with the new rulers.