Turkey denies Taliban office opened in Ankara

Published February 24, 2014
— File photo
— File photo

ISTANBUL: Turkey denied Sunday a Pakistani media report claiming that the Taliban had opened a political office in Ankara as part of efforts to revive the peace stalled process.

The report by the Frontier Post came after a trilateral summit in Ankara earlier this month between Afghanistan, Pakistan and Turkey.

But the Turkish foreign ministry denied the report, saying it “does not reflect the truth”.

“No such office has been opened in Turkey.”The Frontier Post also said Pakistan's top intelligence officials had met with the political advisor of the Taliban's supreme leader Mullah Omar in Ankara.

Turkey has said in the past that it was open to the establishment of an office for the Taliban to help with peace talks with Afghanistan.

The Taliban has been waging a deadly insurgency since a since a US-led invasion toppled them from power in Afghanistan in 2001.

The Western-funded Kabul government is trying to strike a peace deal with the Taliban before the withdrawal of foreign troops by the end of this year but the process has stalled.

Opinion

Editorial

Kurram atrocity
Updated 22 Nov, 2024

Kurram atrocity

It would be a monumental mistake for the state to continue ignoring the violence in Kurram.
Persistent grip
22 Nov, 2024

Persistent grip

An audit of polio funds at federal and provincial levels is sorely needed, with obstacles hindering eradication efforts targeted.
Green transport
22 Nov, 2024

Green transport

THE government has taken a commendable step by announcing a New Energy Vehicle policy aiming to ensure that by 2030,...
Military option
Updated 21 Nov, 2024

Military option

While restoring peace is essential, addressing Balochistan’s socioeconomic deprivation is equally important.
HIV/AIDS disaster
21 Nov, 2024

HIV/AIDS disaster

A TORTUROUS sense of déjà vu is attached to the latest health fiasco at Multan’s Nishtar Hospital. The largest...
Dubious pardon
21 Nov, 2024

Dubious pardon

IT is disturbing how a crime as grave as custodial death has culminated in an out-of-court ‘settlement’. The...