News

Taliban warns US not to ‘destabilise’ its government

Published

3 years ago

10/10/2021

MNN

The weekend meetings in Doha are the first since US forces withdrew from Afghanistan in late August, ending a 20-year military presence as the Taliban overran the country.

The Taliban has warned the US not to “destabilise” the government during their first face-to-face talks since the US withdrawal, its foreign minister Amir Khan Muttaqi has said.

Muttaqi’s comments come as the Taliban attempts to re-establish its rule in Afghanistan 20 years after the group was driven out by the US-led invasion.

“We clearly told them that trying to destabilise the government in Afghanistan is good for no one,” Muttaqi told the Afghan state news agency Bakhtar after talks in the Qatari capital, Doha.

“Good relations with Afghanistan are good for everyone.

Nothing should be done to weaken the existing government in Afghanistan which can lead to problems for the people,” he said, in a recorded statement translated by AFP.

Muttaqi’s remarks came on the first of two days of talks with a US team led by the State Department’s Deputy Special Representative Tom West and top USAID humanitarian official Sarah Charles.

He said the US would also help vaccinate Afghans against Covid-19.

No immediate comment on the talks was available from the US side.

“The delegation from US decided that they will cooperate with us in vaccination and will provide human cooperation,” Muttaqi said.

He added: “It is being promised that states will have good relations with one another and have patience while Afghanistan is passing through a very tough time, so Afghanistan will come out of this condition with more strength.”

The Taliban regained power in August as the United States ended its two-decade occupation with a withdrawal that included a chaotic airlift of foreign residents and Afghans.

Mosque attack

Their efforts to consolidate their rule have been undermined by a series of attacks by the Daesh-K [Khorasan], who claimed a bombing of a Shia mosque that left more than 60 people dead on Friday.

Afghanistan’s economy is also teetering on the brink of collapse, with international aid cut off, food prices rising and unemployment spiking.

Muttaqi said the Taliban wanted to hold meetings with other countries as well as the US to discuss Afghanistan’s difficulties.

“We are trying to have such meetings and gatherings with the US and other countries of the world and to discuss the current situation in Afghanistan, listen to one another’s opinions,” Muttaqi said.

“The issues that people of Afghanistan are facing in terms of economy or any other issues should be resolved. The existing government of Afghanistan is committed to having good relations with other states and cooperate with others, to facilitate its people and provide them services.

“This is what we want and we are trying to discuss these areas with other countries.”

Before the talks, a US State Department official said its priorities were securing safe passage for US and other citizens who want to leave Afghanistan, and making sure the Taliban does not allow “terrorists” to operate on Afghan soil.

“This meeting is not about granting recognition or conferring legitimacy. We remain clear that any legitimacy must be earned through the Taliban’s own actions,” the official said.

Source: http://www.trtworld.com

News

Vice President pledges govt’ support for journalists welfare

Published

2 mins ago

03/05/2024

Vice President Hussain Mohamed Latheef has emphasised President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s administration’s steadfast commitment to supporting journalists, addressing their needs and aspirations.

In an interview with PSM news on its 7th anniversary and in commemoration of World Press Freedom Day, Vice President Hussain Mohamed highlighted the administration’s awareness of the challenges faced by journalists, noting President Muizzu’s proactive engagement with them upon assuming office.

Furthermore, Vice President stressed the importance of public trust in the current administration’s ability to effectively address journalists’ concerns, particularly on World Press Freedom Day. He further reiterated that while journalism may not be explicitly delineated in the constitution, it serves as the country’s “fourth power” and urged responsible reporting avoiding misleading information, anticipating positive societal changes with these efforts.

In support of journalist’s financial independence, Vice President confirmed the formulation of a policy allocating a specific percentage of the state budget to them and the resolution of land plots for establishing a special media village.

Additionally, Vice President met with PSM news employees.

Source(s): PsmNews

News

Maldives slips six ranks in World Press Freedom Index

Published

12 mins ago

03/05/2024

World Press Freedom Index is an annual ranking of 180 nations – compiled by Reporters Without Borders (RSF) – based on the level of freedom enjoyed by journalists and media personnel in those nations.

Maldives, which ranked 100 in the WPFD last year with a score of 56.93, has dropped down 106^th, scoring 52.36. This marks a slip from the classification of nations where its ‘Problematic’ to practice journalism to nations where its ‘Difficult’ to practice journalism.

RSF has attributed the ratification of the Evidence Bill into law including the provision which allows courts to compel journalists to disclose their sources in some circumstances as the main reason for the drop in the rank.

RSF utilizes five indicators in compiling the WPFI. Maldives have been scored as follows in the respective fields:

Political indicator: 109^th place with 43.48. This accounts to a drop of 12 ranks as Maldives placed 97^th with 53.75 last year.
Economic indicator: 133^rd place with 36.04. This accounts to an increase of 28 ranks as Maldives placed 161^st last year with 32.84. It is the only indicator in which Maldives improved its score.
Legislative indicator: 111^th place with 54.42. This accounts to a drop of 13 ranks as Maldives placed 98^th last year with 59.01.
Social indicator: 131^st with place with 48,10. This accounts to a drop of 7 ranks as Maldives placed 124^th last year with 55.68.
Security indicator: 80^th place with 79.79. This accounts to a drop of 23 ranks as Maldives placed 57^th last year with 82.48.

Notably, Maldives placed 87^th in the WPFD in 2022; classified as a nation where it is “Satisfactory” to practice journalism.

Source(s): sun.mv

News

President affirms upholding a good environment for journalism

Published

23 mins ago

03/05/2024

President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has reiterated his commitment to uphold a sustainable environment for all forms of journalism, adapting alongside modern technological advancements.

Commemorating the World Press Freedom Day, President Dr. Muizzu conveyed felicitations to all media organisations, recognising the pivotal role media plays for the development and progress of the nation. The president observed the relentless endeavours of journalists in sourcing and sharing reliable information, heightening public consciousness, acting as a bridge between the government and the public, addressing public inquiries to the government while amplifying the voices of citizens.

Furthermore, President Dr. Muizzu revealed his top priority on engaging in meetings and dialogues with journalists. The president assured that the opinions of journalists will be taken in to consideration, aiming to align the expectations of media outlets meets with that of reality.

Observing that financial constraints as a primary challenge faced by the media, the government has taken the initiative to allocate a portion of the budget to support media organisations. President Dr. Muizzu expressed confidence that this initiative will be implemented soon, pending approval from Parliament. Moreover, the presiden unveiled plans to establish a Media Village tailored to accommodate media administrative bodies, enhance educational and training prospects across various domains, and bolster connections with international organisations.

Additionally, President Dr. Muizzu stressed the significance of the provision of credible information, cautioning that it will negatively impact the society otherwise.

Source(s): PsmNews