UN drops sanctions against 14 ex-Taliban

The UN committee that oversees the Taliban blacklist has dropped 14 names at the Afghan government's urging, including several members of the peace council President Hamid Karzai formed to find a political solution to the country's insurgency.

The UN committee that oversees the Taliban blacklist has dropped 14 names at the Afghan government's urging, including several members of the peace council President Hamid Karzai formed to find a political solution to the country's insurgency.

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The Afghan government has asked the sanctions committee to drop up to 50 former Taliban leaders from its list, and provided extensive documentation aimed at showing they since have been reintegrated into society. Removing sanctions against former Taliban, including a travel ban and assets freeze, is seen as key to promoting dialogue.

German ambassador Peter Wittig, who chairs the committee, welcomed Friday's move as recognition of peace efforts by former Taliban leaders.