A Taliban official announced on Wednesday that members of the group will participate in peaceful dialogue with former Afghan government officials to ensure their sense of security. The official told Reuters that gradually the world will see all of their leaders and there will be no hiding or secrecy, urging members of the group not to celebrate to prove their superiority, saying "victory belongs to Afghanistan."
The Taliban official emphasized that any complaint made by civilians against any member of the group will be investigated swiftly. He stated that the Afghan leaders will present themselves to the world, contrasting with the situation 20 years ago when the group's leaders largely lived in secrecy.
He added that members of the group have been ordered not to celebrate their rapid takeover of the country, which brought them to the capital, Kabul, on Sunday, and mentioned that civilians should surrender their weapons and ammunition.
In a press conference from the Afghan capital, Kabul, on Tuesday, the Taliban attempted to assure both domestic and international audiences that they would work to secure Afghan citizens and diplomatic missions, while the U.S. State Department expressed hope that the Taliban would fulfill their promises.
U.S. State Department spokesman Ned Price stated on Tuesday that the United States hopes the Taliban will "fulfill" their commitments regarding human rights. Price noted in a press conference, "If the Taliban says it will respect the rights of its citizens, we expect them to uphold that commitment."
Previously, Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said, "Afghanistan is once again going through a sensitive phase." He added, "We congratulate everyone on the end of the American (occupation) of Afghanistan."
