Afghanistan Urges US to Reach Resolution After US New Labeling

(MENAFN) Afghanistan on Tuesday urged the United States to reach an “appropriate” resolution after Washington classified the country as a “state sponsor of wrongful detention,” according to reports.

A spokesperson for Afghanistan’s Foreign Ministry said in a statement that Kabul hopes the issue will be addressed through continued dialogue and constructive engagement between the two sides.

The Afghan official expressed regret over the decision made by the US administration and rejected claims that foreign nationals are being held for political leverage.

“The government of Afghanistan underscores that no foreign national has been detained for purposes of a deal.

Certain individuals have been detained on charges of violating established law, and in many instances, they have been released,” he said.

The US decision was announced Monday by the secretary of state, who stated that Washington had formally applied the designation because of what he described as ongoing detention practices carried out by Afghanistan’s ruling authorities.

“Today, I am designating Afghanistan as a State Sponsor of Wrongful Detention. The Taliban continues to use terrorist tactics, kidnapping individuals for ransom or to seek policy concessions. These despicable tactics need to end,” Rubio said in a statement.

The move follows multiple reports alleging that American citizens and other foreign nationals are being unjustly held in Afghanistan.

The US official also cautioned that the country remains a dangerous destination for American travelers due to the risk of detention.
“It is not safe for Americans to travel to Afghanistan because the Taliban continues to unjustly detain our fellow Americans and other foreign nationals.

“The Taliban needs to release Dennis Coyle, Mahmoud Habibi, and all Americans unjustly detained in Afghanistan now and commit to ceasing the practice of hostage diplomacy forever,” he added.

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