Taliban Declines UN Meeting Invitation, Citing 'Unreasonable' Demands

The UN seeks to improve relations with the Taliban through clear consultations and the potential appointment of a special envoy to Afghanistan.

The Taliban declined an invitation to a UN meeting aimed at improving relations with the international community, setting 'unreasonable' demands for their participation.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres emphasized the need for clear consultations with the Taliban regarding the appointment of a UN special envoy to Afghanistan.
The Taliban's refusal to attend the UN meeting was supported by Russia, citing the selection process of Afghan civil society members as 'un-transparent'.
The meeting aimed to address the dire situation in Afghanistan, including the need for an inclusive government and the lifting of restrictions on women's rights.
Despite the Taliban's absence, the UN conference in Doha was deemed 'extremely useful' by Guterres, who remains hopeful for future Taliban participation.