Taliban ask EU assistance to keep airports running

The Taliban have asked the European Union for assistance in keeping Afghan airports running so that those wishing to leave the country can do so. The request was made during the two-day dialogue in Doha (Qatar) between members of the Taliban declared interim Afghan government and the EU.

“The Afghan delegation confirmed in the meeting its commitment to guaranteeing and facilitating the safe passage of foreign nationals and Afghans who wish to leave the country”, said a statement from the European External Action Service (EEAS). That is why Afghan airports must remain open.

During the two-day dialogue, the humanitarian situation in the country, which is worsening as winter approaches, was also discussed. The EU promised to continue providing humanitarian assistance. The Taliban also promised to honour their pledge to grant amnesty to Afghans who have worked against them, the EEAS statement read.

In August this year, the Taliban took over power in Afghanistan. Since then life for many people has changed dramatically. Talks between the EU and the Taliban, to help vulnerable people or to get vulnerable Afghans and remaining foreigners out of Afghanistan, started in October.
 

source: commonspace.eu with agencies
photo: People being evacuated from Afghanistan queue to board an U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemaster III aircraft at Hamid Karzai International Airport on 24 August 2021. U.S. Air Force

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