Taliban-Appointed Afghan Leader Delivers First State of the Nation Address... Requests International Support

[Asia Economy Reporter Park So-yeon] The head of the Afghan interim government appointed by the Taliban requested economic support from the international community in his first national address.

According to foreign media reports on the 28th, Mullah Mohammad Hasan Akhund, acting Prime Minister of Afghanistan, who was appointed as the head of the interim government on September 8, delivered his first public speech yesterday evening.

Acting Prime Minister Akhund spoke for 30 minutes on various issues including the Taliban's past struggle against the U.S., security matters, regional situation, and the country's poverty problems.

Although the state-run TV broadcast the national address, only the audio was transmitted, not the video.

He criticized the previous pro-American government regarding Afghanistan's economic difficulties.

Akhund stated, "The previous government under President Ashraf Ghani was corrupt and dealt a severe blow to the national economy," adding, "If the frozen assets of the Afghan central bank are released, the economic problems will be resolved."

He said that all departments of the interim government are working overtime for national normalization and are striving to pay the overdue salaries to public officials.

He continued, "We hope to establish good relations and economic ties with all countries. We will not interfere in the internal affairs of any other country," and added, "We ask all international charitable organizations not to withhold support for Afghanistan but to assist us."

Regarding the issue of women's rights, which has been criticized by the international community, Akhund stated that the rights to education and labor for women are respected.

He mentioned, "Education for girls has resumed and will be further promoted," and said, "Today, Afghan women are safe, and no one can look down on them. We will uphold the dignity of women."