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Families of 9/11 victims: Afghanistan assets belong to Afghans

Friday, 19 August 2022 2:01 AM [ Last Update: Friday, 19 August 2022 2:01 AM ]

Rahmatullah Baghban
Press TV, Kabul

One year ago, following the Taliban’s return to power in Afghanistan, the US froze about seven billion dollars in Afghan central bank assets and cut major international funding to the country.

The measure, which pushed the Afghan economy to collapse, faced backlash from inside and outside Afghanistan. In February, US President Joe Biden signed an order splitting Afghan assets between relief aid to Afghanistan and 9/11 victims.

On Tuesday, nearly 80 family members of 9/11 victims sent a letter to Biden saying the money belongs to Afghans, urging him to release the money without delay.

In Afghanistan more and more people are going without job and cash as the US sanctions have paralyzed the public economy. Frustrated Afghans call for the release of Afghanistan central bank assets and solidarity from the international community.

Majority of the Afghan population is in need of humanitarian assistance. More than half Afghans are going hungry and more than a million children are severely malnourished.

The humanitarian situation in Afghanistan is getting worse day by day and the country needs its frozen funds for an economic recovery. It remains to be seen when Washington opens its eyes to the miseries of Afghans and returns their money.

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