US and Taliban set for talks in Doha

Doha: A high-level US delegation will hold talks with Taliban representatives this weekend, the State Department said on Friday.

The two sides have remained in contact since the Taliban retook control of Afghanistan in August, but these will be the first in-person diplomatic talks.

The US delegation will reportedly include representatives from the State Department, USAID and the intelligence community.

“We will press the Taliban to respect the rights of all Afghans, including women and girls, and to form an inclusive government with broad support,” a State Department spokesperson said.

“As Afghanistan faces the prospect of a severe economic contraction and possible humanitarian crisis, we will also press the Taliban to allow humanitarian agencies free access to areas of need.”

The safe passage of US nationals and Afghan allies who wish to leave Afghanistan will also be addressed.

The State Department has stressed that the meeting does not mean Washington now recognises Taliban rule in Afghanistan.

“This meeting is not about granting recognition or conferring legitimacy,” the State Department spokesperson said. “We remain clear that any legitimacy must be earned through the Taliban’s own actions. They need to establish a sustained track record.”

Earlier this week, UK officials also held a first meeting with the Taliban in Kabul. Talks centered around the spiraling humanitarian crisis, issues of security and terrorism, as well as the rights of women.

Since the Taliban took over Afghanistan in mid-August, the group has been trying to consolidate its power in the country.

Also, Afghanistan is in the midst of a severe economic and humanitarian crisis. Poverty and hunger have worsened over the past few weeks.

The country, extremely reliant on international aid, is battling a liquidity crisis as assets remain frozen in the US and disbursements from international organisations that once accounted for 75 per cent of state spending have been suspended.

The UN says about half a million people have been displaced in Afghanistan in recent months and warns that the number will grow rapidly if the economy and social services break down.