Washimgton: The United States and the Taliban have engaged in talks for the first time since the fall of Afghanistan in 2021. The discussions were held in the Qatari capital over Sunday and Monday, with the US delegation meeting “senior Taliban representatives and technocratic professionals,” as reported by the BBC.
In a statement, the US Department expressed its support for the Afghan people’s demands to have their rights respected and to play a role in shaping the country’s future. The focus was particularly on the rights of women, girls, and vulnerable communities. The delegation also urged for the release of detained American citizens and acknowledged the Taliban’s commitment not to allow Afghanistan to be a platform for attacks on the US and its allies. Additionally, they recognized a decrease in large-scale terrorist attacks against Afghan civilians.
On the Taliban’s side, they raised concerns about the freezing of Afghanistan’s assets, sanctions, and travel bans. They sought the unfreezing of the country’s assets, as well as the lifting of sanctions and travel restrictions.
Abdul Qahar Balkhi, spokesperson for the Afghan Ministry of Foreign Affairs, mentioned on Twitter that the discussions also covered humanitarian aid, freedom of travel, and Afghans’ access to consular services worldwide. Both sides considered the removal of most restrictions on Afghan banks, which would facilitate easier financial transactions, as a positive development. They emphasized the continuation of such meetings, understanding, and interactions.
After the Taliban’s swift takeover in 2021, the US froze $10 billion of Afghanistan’s central bank assets held in the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. Half of these funds are now kept in a Swiss-based Afghan Fund.
Since the Taliban’s return to power, no country has officially recognized the group’s government. The Taliban has faced widespread international criticism for imposing restrictions on women’s education and rights.
