(Brussels) The Taliban have asked for the European Union’s help to ensure the functioning of Afghan airports during talks this weekend in Doha, where they pledged to allow the departure of those who so wish, announced the ‘EU Sunday.
“The Afghan delegation has 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, the two sides underlined the fundamental importance of keeping Afghan airports open and the Afghan delegation requested assistance to maintain airport operations,” added European diplomacy.
The Taliban also pledged to keep their promise of a “general amnesty” for the Afghans who worked against them during the two decades of Western rule, until the hasty withdrawal of the United States in August, according to the document.
In addition, “the two parties have expressed serious concerns about the deterioration of the humanitarian situation in Afghanistan as winter approaches,” said the statement, which specified that the EU will continue to provide humanitarian aid.
In particular, the EU urged the Taliban to establish an “inclusive government”, encourage democracy and ensure 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 reiterated that they would uphold human rights “in accordance with Islamic principles” and 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 the recognition by the EU of the interim government [taliban], but is part of the EU’s operational commitment, 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.