Spanta and Massoud Emphasize Unity Among Anti-Taliban Factions at Vienna Meeting

In his speech at the meeting on Monday (June 24), Spanta stated, "In the absence of a united political movement, the international community views the Taliban as an irreplaceable force."

Spanta noted that if all avenues for solving the country's problems are closed, resorting to wrath would be inevitable. He added, "To articulate the major demands of the Afghan people within a comprehensive and just program, forming a large, militant front under any name seems essential."

Spanta also advised all anti-Taliban factions to learn from past mistakes and unite to change the current situation in Afghanistan. He criticized the UN's behavior towards the Taliban and their unilateral invitation to the Doha meeting, calling it very "dangerous and misguided." He suggested that the Vienna process should respond appropriately to the UN's approach.

The former National Security Advisor described the Taliban as a "civilization-averse, human rights and women's enemy" regime, which would continue to dominate Afghanistan as an "irreplaceable" force unless its opponents unite.

Meanwhile, Ahmad Massoud, leader of the National Resistance Front of Afghanistan, reiterated at this meeting the importance of holding elections and establishing a government based on the will of the country's citizens. He pointed out that if the Taliban accept elections and gain legitimacy from the people, the group's opponents would submit to the will of the country's citizens.

Referring to the participants of the Vienna meeting, Massoud said, "Regardless of our individual views, we should not decide for the people but agree on a broad perspective here, strengthen our unity and coherence in this process, and gather the majority of opponents to ensure that the people have a choice."

The leader of the National Resistance Front emphasized that participants should take the meeting seriously to avoid missing such an opportunity in the future. He also mentioned that the Taliban are not limited to a specific ethnic group or language, and currently, freedom is taken away from all Afghan citizens, regardless of any differences.

Ahmad Massoud described Afghanistan's fall as a "bigger story and a global and regional political game," stressing the need for the opponents of the Taliban to unite.

These statements come as the Taliban have closed the door on any negotiations for holding elections and forming an inclusive government, claiming they represent the essence of the society.

Meanwhile, a Taliban Foreign Ministry official condemned the gathering of anti-Taliban political and military factions in Austria, calling it doomed to fail.

Zakir Jalali, Head of Third Political Affairs at the Taliban's Foreign Ministry, on Tuesday (June 25) described the participants of the Vienna meeting as a "wandering group" and added, "Those who pin their hopes on foreign directions are doomed to fail."

Jalali accused the Vienna meeting participants of lacking a clear plan and not understanding international politics, stating that they no longer have a place in the political market.

The Taliban have not officially commented on the Vienna meeting yet.

It is worth noting that the fourth Vienna meeting on Afghanistan is currently being held in the Austrian capital, with at least 70 participants from 40 organizations and political, military, civil, and human rights factions, as well as independent political and civil figures.