Washington
For the first time since the fall of Kabul in August 2021, the US and the Taliban held talks in Doha. Meanwhile, Washington pressured the regime in Afghanistan to “change policies to address the deteriorating human rights situation”.
The Taliban said in a statement that talks with “senior Taliban representatives and US technical professionals” took place on Sunday and Monday in the Qatari capital, the BBC reported. In it, the US delegation expressed its “support for the Afghan people”.
Expressed support for the demand to respect the rights and have a voice in shaping the future of the country, especially for women, girls and vulnerable communities.
According to the department, the delegation also pressed for the release of detained US citizens and “noted the commitment not to allow Afghanistan to be used as a staging ground for attacks on the US and its allies.”
On their part, the Taliban said they wanted to freeze assets in Afghanistan, as well as lift sanctions and travel restrictions. Afghan Foreign Ministry spokesman Abdul Kahar Balkhi said on Twitter on Monday, “In addition, humanitarian aid,
Freedom of travel and access of Afghans to consular services around the world were among the key issues discussed.”
“Both sides stressed the continuation of such meetings, understanding and dialogue.”
According to Balkhi, the Taliban delegation was led by Acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaki and also included representatives from the ministry, The Afghanistan Bank and officials from the Afghan Embassy and Political Office in Qatar.
