Taliban: We will respect women's rights as long as they wear the hijab

Elements of the "Taliban" movement in southwest Kabul.

(dad)

A spokesman for the "Taliban" movement, said that the movement will respect women's rights and will allow them to educate and work, provided that they wear the veil.

The spokesman added that the Taliban seeks to form a government in which all Afghans will participate.

And earlier today, the Afghan Defense Minister, Bismillah Khan Mohammadi, pledged to maintain the security of the capital, Kabul, until an "agreement is reached", while sources said that negotiations are taking place at the Afghan presidential palace to transfer power to the "Taliban" movement.

In a video posted on Facebook, the defense minister said that, as a representative of the armed forces, he ensures the security of Kabul.

He added that President Ashraf Ghani met local politicians and assigned them the task of forming a delegation to travel to Doha tomorrow to reach an agreement with the "Taliban".

"I assure you all that the security of Kabul will be preserved until an agreement is reached," he stressed.

Meanwhile, the agency "Khama Press" quoted unnamed sources as saying that negotiations are taking place in the Afghan presidential palace to transfer power to the Taliban.

According to the agency, the head of the Supreme Council for National Reconciliation, Abdullah Abdullah, is mediating in the process, and it quoted sources as saying that Ali Ahmed Jalali will be appointed as head of the new interim government.

Pope Francis called on Sunday for dialogue to end the conflict in Afghanistan so that its people can live in peace, security and mutual respect.

The Pope's call came in a speech at noon, as Taliban militants entered the capital, Kabul, and the United States evacuated diplomats from its embassy by helicopter.

The Pope told visitors in St. Peter's Square: "I join the voices that have collectively expressed concern about the situation in Afghanistan. I ask you to pray with me to the God of peace so that the noise of arms stops and solutions can be found through dialogue."

He added, "Only in this way will the oppressed men and women, adults and children of this country be able to return to their homes and live in peace and security in complete mutual respect."

The entry of the "Taliban" into the Afghan capital, Kabul, was the culmination of lightning gains made by the movement after it was toppled by the United States 20 years ago, following the attacks of September 11, 2001.

On Sunday, the Afghan Interior Ministry announced that the "Taliban" movement had begun entering the capital, Kabul, from all sides.

Afghan Interior Minister Abdul Sattar Mirza Kawal confirmed that "a peaceful transition of power to a transitional government will take place in Afghanistan."

"Afghans should not worry, there will be no attack on the city of Kabul. There will be a peaceful transfer of power to a transitional government," Mirza Kawal said in a video message.

A leader of the "Taliban" indicated that the movement ordered its fighters to refrain from violence and allow the safe passage of all those who wish to leave, and that it asks the women to go to safe areas.

A spokesman for the movement: "We do not intend to retaliate against anyone and we will forgive all those who served the government and the army."

He added, "Afghan forces should stop firing and allow all civilians and foreigners to cross now."

"We ask Afghan civilians to stay in their country and not leave it out of fear," he added.

He pointed out that the movement is in talks with the Afghan government in order to hand over Kabul peacefully.

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