Erdogan says Taliban current actions not inclusive - Haberturk TV

Nippon Television Holdings

23/09/2021 16:14

ANKARA, Sept 23 (Reuters) - President Tayyip Erdogan said on
Thursday the Taliban's current approach and their interim
government were not inclusive but Turkey was willing to work
with them if they formed a more encompassing government,
broadcaster Haberturk reported.
    NATO member Turkey has been working with Qatar to operate
Kabul airport and open it for international travel after the
Taliban took power and foreign countries withdrew from
Afghanistan. 
    It welcomed the Taliban's initial messages, but said Turkey
would evaluate its engagement and recognition of the Taliban
based on their actions.
    "Looking at the Taliban's approach right now, unfortunately
an inclusive, encompassing leadership has not been formed,"
Haberturk quoted Erdogan as telling reporters after attending
the UN General Assembly in New York.  
    Earlier this month the Taliban appointed hardline veterans
to an all-male cabinet.
    "At the moment, there are only some signals (about) the
possibility of some changes, that there may be a more inclusive
atmosphere in the leadership," Erdogan said. "We have not seen
this yet. If such a step can be taken, then we may move on to
the point of discussing what we can do together".
    Erdogan's comments come after Turkey's ambassador to Kabul,
Cihad Erginay, met Taliban Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi.
Erginay said on Twitter he pledged "Turkey's continued support
to the Afghan people and commitment to build upon our historic
ties".

 (Reporting by Tuvan Gumrukcu; Editing by Dominic Evans)
 ((tuvan.gumrukcu@tr.com; +90 312 292 7021; @tuvangumrukcu;
Reuters Messaging:
tuvan.gumrukcu.thomsonreuters.com@reuters.net))