WASHINGTON, Nov 24, 2021 (BSS/AFP) - The United States will resume talks
with the Taliban next week in Qatar, addressing among other issues the fight
against terrorism and the humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan.
The American delegation will be led by the US special representative for
Afghanistan, Tom West, for the planned two weeks of discussions, State
Department spokesman Ned Price said Tuesday.
The two sides will discuss "our vital national interests," which include
counterterrorism operations against the Islamic State group and Al-Qaeda,
humanitarian assistance, Afghanistan's devastated economy, and safe passage
out of Afghanistan for US citizens and Afghans who worked for the United
States during the 20 year war.
West met two weeks ago in Pakistan with representatives of the hardline
Islamist movement that seized power in August as US forces completed their
withdrawal.
A first session between the two sides was held October 9-10 in the Qatari
capital Doha, where US diplomats overseeing relations with Afghanistan
transferred after the Taliban takeover.
West on Friday reiterated US conditions for the Taliban to receive US
financial and diplomatic support: fight terrorism install an inclusive
government, respect the rights of minorities, women and girls, and provide
equal access to educations and employment.
He said the United States would continue to have dialogue with the Taliban
and for now provide only humanitarian aid.
Amir Khan Muttaqi, foreign minister of the Taliban government, which is not
recognized by the international community, called last week in an open letter
to the US Congress for the release of Afghan assets frozen by the US.