In conversations with EU officials, the Taliban asked for their help in keeping Kabul airport open, according to the European Union’s foreign ministry. According to information from Khaama Press, the European Union and the Taliban have sent delegations to the Qatari capital, Doha, for negotiations, while a two-week meeting between the US mission and the Taliban is due to start on Monday 29. November in Doha. The EU said in a statement on Sunday evening that the conversations were part of the EU’s operational commitment to protect the interests of the EU and the Afghan people.

The statement also said that the Taliban also pledged to forgive Afghans who had cooperated with the United States and its allies for the previous two decades but had asked for help in specific areas, according to Khaama Press. After taking power in Afghanistan, the Taliban said foreign soldiers would not be allowed to enter the country. Turkey, meanwhile, had previously said it was willing to maintain a contingent of troops in Afghanistan to secure Kabul airport after the withdrawal of foreign forces.

Both sides expressed deep concern at the deteriorating humanitarian situation

The EU and the Taliban have expressed deep concern over the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Afghanistan, adding that the EU will continue to provide humanitarian supplies. The EU urged the Taliban to form an inclusive administration, foster democracy, provide equal access to education for girls and prevent Afghanistan from becoming a base for any one group. He also suggested that if the Taliban accepted the EU’s terms, additional funding for the new cash-strapped Afghan authorities would be available, but only for the direct benefit of the Afghan people.

Just days ago, the Taliban group met with Mutlaq Al Qahtani, Qatar’s special ambassador for foreign affairs, to discuss ways to improve humanitarian aid to Afghan citizens. Qatar’s foreign minister said in a statement on Friday that delegations discussed the fight against terrorism, human rights and humanitarian aid, according to Sputnik.

U.S. Special Representative for Afghanistan to meet with Taliban commanders

Next week in Doha, Tom West, the US Special Representative for Afghanistan, will meet with Taliban commanders. State Department spokesman Ned Price told Tolo News they will discuss their vital national interests with regard to Afghanistan, which includes combating terrorism, safe passage for nationals Americans and Afghans to whom they have a special obligation, humanitarian aid and the economic situation.

(ANI entries)

Image: AP / Representative