KABUL: The country’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has described as “regrettable” the United States’ decision to designate the country as a state that supports wrongful detentions.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, Abdul Qahar Balkhi, the Foreign Ministry’s spokesperson, responded to remarks by the United States at a United Nations Security Council meeting.
Balkhi said the Afghan government firmly rejects the allegation, stressing that foreign nationals are not detained in Afghanistan for political bargaining.
According to him, individuals arrested for violating Afghan laws were detained and, in many cases, released through normal legal procedures after their cases were reviewed.
He added that Afghan authorities have taken several positive steps regarding cases involving imprisoned U.S. citizens as a gesture of goodwill, over the past year.
The spokesperson also noted that with mediation by Qatar, discussions between Afghanistan and the United States have taken place at various levels, during which both sides committed to taking a series of constructive measures.
The statement said Kabul hopes the recent issue will be resolved through continued dialogue and constructive engagement between the two sides.
The response came after the U.S. representative at the United Nations said during Monday night’s Security Council meeting on Afghanistan that Washington considers the country a “state supporting wrongful detentions.”
Afghanistan condemns U.S. decision labeling it a ‘state supporting wrongful detentions’
