WASHINGTON: The United States said on Sunday the first face-to-face meeting between US and Taliban officials since the hard-line group retook power in Afghanistan was “candid and professional” and that the US party repeated that the Taliban would be judged in their actions, not just words they.
Foreign Ministry spokesman Ned Price said the US delegation at the weekend spoke in Doha, Qatar, focused on security and terrorism and a safe passage for US citizens, other foreign nationals and Afghanistan, including meaningful participation from women and girls In all aspects of the Afghan community.
He said both parties also discussed the provisions of “the United States’ about strong humanitarian assistance, directly to the Afghans.” “The discussion was honest and professional with US delegates insisting that the Taliban would be assessed for his actions, not just his words,” said the price in a statement.
It did not say whether there was an agreement reached.
On Saturday, Qatar-based Al Jazeera television quoted Afghanistan’s foreign minister said that the Taliban representatives asked the US to raise the prohibition on the reserve of the Afghan central bank.
It was said to the Minister, Amir Khan Muttaqi, also said Washington would offer the Afghan Coronavirus vaccine and that both parties discussed “opening a new page” between the two countries.
Biden administration officials told Reuters on Friday, the US delegation would press the Taliban to release the kidnapped American Frerichs Mark.
The other main priority is to hold the Taliban for their commitment not to allow Afghanistan to be a nest for Al Qaeda or other extremists.
The Taliban took back power in Afghanistan in August, almost 20 years after they were overthrown in the US-led invasion because they refused to submit Al-Qaeda leaders Osama bin Laden after the United States attack on September 11, 2001.
US officials said the weekend meeting was a continuation of the continuation of “Pragmatic involvement” with the Taliban and “not about giving recognition or giving legitimacy” to the group.
US officials said they were related to dozens of Americans and the remain legal residents who wanted to leave Afghanistan and there were thousands of Afghans who allied US with the risk of Taliban’s persecution still in the country.
Washington and other Western countries wrestle with difficult choices as a severe humanitarian crisis look great in Afghanistan.
They tried to find ways to engage with the Taliban without giving the legitimacy group sought, while ensuring humanitarian assistance flowed into the country.