Translation and subtitles by Sarkawt Mohmamed
NORTH RHINE-WESTPHALIA, Germany - German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Sunday said there is no other choice but to engage in dialogue with the Taliban, as the hardliners solidify their new complete control of Afghanistan.
“Regarding the Taliban, we should, indeed, negotiate with them, because they are the only power in Afghanistan that can be talked to,” Merkel told Rudaw’s Alla Shally at a press conference in North Rhine-Westphalia.
“We want those who worked with the German government to come to Germany, especially those working for reconstruction and development organisations, who now feel threatened,” she added
The Taliban gained power in Afghanistan three weeks ago as the US left the country, prompting many Afghans to attempt leaving the country.
“Regarding Afghanistan, we in North Rhine-Westphalia decided to accept and protect 1,000 Afghan women, including bloggers and journalists,” Armin Laschet, Minister-President of North Rhine-Westphalia and Leader of the Christian Democratic Union told Rudaw.
Taliban chief spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid told the German newspaper Welt am Sonntag on Sunday that the Taliban wanted "strong and official diplomatic relations with Germany".
Translation by Sarkawt Mohammed
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