The Taliban have asked for help from the European Union (EU) to keep Afghan airports functioning during talks this weekend in Doha, where they pledged to allow the departure of those who wish, the Taliban said. ‘EU Sunday 28 November.
“The Afghan delegation confirmed its commitment to guarantee and facilitate the safe passage of foreign nationals and Afghans who wish to leave the country”, the EU’s diplomatic service (EEAS) said in a statement. “In this regard, both sides underlined the fundamental importance of keeping Afghan airports open and the Afghan delegation requested assistance in maintaining airport operations.”, adds European diplomacy.
The Taliban have also pledged to keep their promise to“General amnesty” for the Afghans who worked against them during the two decades of Western rule, until the precipitous withdrawal of the United States in August, according to the document.
Furthermore “The two sides expressed serious concern at the deterioration of the humanitarian situation in Afghanistan as winter approaches”, the statement said, specifying that the EU will continue to provide humanitarian aid.
Dialogue but no recognition
In particular, the EU urged the Taliban to put in place a “Inclusive government”, encourage democracy and guarantee girls’ equal access to education. She also suggested that if the Taliban fulfilled the EU’s conditions, additional funding could be released, but only “For the direct benefit of the Afghan people”.
The Taliban reaffirmed that they would uphold human rights “In accordance with Islamic principles” and that they would welcome the return of diplomatic missions that had been closed, the statement said.
The EU specifies in the press release that “The dialogue does not imply recognition by the EU of the interim government [taliban] but is part of the operational engagement of the EU, in the interests of the EU and the Afghan people ”.
These talks preceded two weeks of negotiations between the United States and the Taliban, scheduled from Monday in the Qatari capital as well. The Taliban delegation was headed by Acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Mutaqqi and the EU delegation by Special Envoy for Afghanistan Tomas Niklasson.