In an angry tone, France accused the Afghan Taliban movement of lying and breaching its promises. French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian stated that the movement is deceitful, emphasizing that France will not establish any relations with its recently announced government, especially since it is comprised of members from a single group. This statement was made by the minister late on Saturday evening, just before his trip to Doha for talks on expected evacuations from Afghanistan.
Le Drian told France 5 TV, according to Reuters: "They said they would allow some foreigners and Afghans to leave freely, they spoke of an inclusive government representing all strands, but they are lying." He continued: "There are still a few French citizens in Afghanistan and several hundred Afghans who have ties to France."
International Economic Pressure
He also added that France "refuses to recognize it or establish any form of relations with this government," saying, "We want actions from the Taliban, not words." He hinted at the possibility of imposing international economic pressure, which could hurt the movement that is struggling with numerous local economic problems, including some international organizations halting the transfer of aid and funds to the country, and America's holding of the central bank's reserves abroad. "They will need economic relief and international relations, so it is up to them," he remarked.
It is noted that France has evacuated approximately three thousand individuals and has held talks with the Taliban to enable others to leave. Last week, the movement appealed to thousands of Afghans seeking to travel outside the country since its takeover of the capital, Kabul, in mid-August, urging them to stay and not to leave, especially those with special skills and experience, claiming that Afghanistan needs them. However, its announcement of a government from a single group has heightened the fears of those trying to flee and exacerbated international concerns about the movement's dominance and its exclusion of Afghanistan's diverse community components.
