A spokesperson for the U.S. State Department stated today, Saturday, to our correspondent in Washington, that the meetings being held by U.S. officials with representatives of the Taliban in Doha will focus on the follow-up for the safe departure of American citizens from Kabul. The spokesperson said, "On October 9 and 10, a U.S. mission will depart to meet with senior Taliban representatives coming from Kabul. This meeting is a follow-up to pragmatic communications with the Taliban regarding vital issues for the United States."
He added, "Our priorities are to follow up on the safe departure from Afghanistan for American citizens, for other foreigners, and for Afghans to whom we have a special commitment and who wish to leave the country." The spokesperson confirmed that "the United States is striving to ensure that the Taliban adheres to its commitment not to allow terrorists to use Afghan territory to threaten the security of the United States or its allies," adding, "We will emphasize holding the Taliban accountable for its obligations."
Washington will also urge the Taliban "to respect the rights of all Afghans, including women and girls," and will encourage them to "form an inclusive government that receives broad support." The U.S. official continued: "As Afghanistan faces the prospect of major economic contraction and a humanitarian crisis, we will call on the Taliban to allow humanitarian agencies free access to areas in need." He concluded by stating, "This meeting is not intended for recognizing the Taliban or granting legitimacy to it. We remain clear in our position: legitimacy is gained by the Taliban solely through its actions."
For its part, the Taliban stated that it warned the United States against "destabilizing" its government during the first direct meeting between the two sides since the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan, according to the movement’s Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi on Saturday. Muttaqi told the "Bakhtar" news agency after the talks held in Doha: "We clearly informed them that attempts to destabilize the Afghan government will not be in the interest of any party."
He added in a recorded statement that "good relations with Afghanistan benefit everyone. Nothing should be done that would weaken the current government in Afghanistan, as this could cause problems for the people."
