Discussions surrounding potential direct engagement with Afghan authorities to facilitate deportations have drawn sharp criticism from within the German parliament. Derya Türk-Nachbaur, a foreign policy spokesperson for the Social Democratic Party (SPD), strongly condemned proposals from Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt of the Christian Social Union (CSU).
“It has never been on the agenda of the SPD to speak with terrorists like the Taliban solely to enable deportations” Türk-Nachbaur stated in an interview with the “Rheinische Post”. She emphasized that such engagement is unacceptable.
While direct talks with the ruling power structures are off the table, Türk-Nachbaur suggested an alternative approach. She proposed establishing German offices staffed with experts to coordinate humanitarian aid to Afghanistan, focusing on improving access to essential support, particularly for women.
The concern highlighted by Türk-Nachbaur centers on the situation of over 2,000 Afghans currently stranded in Pakistan, having received assurances of acceptance into Germany. She urged Dobrindt to provide a definitive statement on the matter and stressed the need for political will to bring these individuals to Germany, as they face potential deportation to Afghanistan and cannot afford further delays pending a parliamentary decision following the summer recess. She emphasized the urgency of a decision from the Interior Minister.