LONDON—Former foreign minister Hanif Atmar warned the Taliban to open peace negotiations or face the Afghan opposition's most devastating weapon: another statement.
Speaking at General Abdul Raziq's death anniversary, Atmar unveiled a five-stage escalation plan: a statement, a strongly worded statement, an emergency Zoom meeting, a Geneva conference and a final statement condemning the previous four.
“We prefer peace,” Atmar declared. “But Kandahar must understand that our patience has a Microsoft Teams expiration date.”
Taliban officials requested clarification on whether the threatened measures included anyone physically entering Afghanistan. Atmar called the question provocative and referred it to the committee drafting his next warning.
Kandahar offered to host negotiations in Kabul. Atmar rejected the venue as premature, explaining that meaningful Afghan-led dialogue must first establish which European capital could accommodate the delegates for exposure visits.
Zabihullah Mujahid offered to recognize the opposition's right to issue statements, provided the statements recognized the Taliban's right to ignore them.
Atmar warned that if dialogue failed, he would personally authorize an emergency press conference without waiting for UN approval.
Kandahar declared a state of heightened indifference.
Atmar gave the Taliban 48 hours to negotiate, warning that failure would leave him no choice but to extend the deadline.