Doha, 2 July 2022 (TDI): U.S. Special Representative for Afghanistan shared that on 29 and 30 June, a US delegation had a meeting with Taliban representatives in Doha.
Raised deep concerns with expanding restrictions on rights of Afghans, covered earthquake relief, economic stabilization, terrorism, counternarcotics, among other issues. Please read US statement: https://t.co/TcTF7AdHZG
— U.S. Special Representative Thomas West (@US4AfghanPeace) July 1, 2022
The senior interagency delegation was led by Special Representative for Afghanistan, Thomas West, to continue discussions with Taliban representatives and technocratic professionals.
Other representatives were from the Department of State, the Department of the Treasury, and USAID.
Proceedings of the Meeting
The US representatives expressed condolences on behalf of the state following the recent earthquakes in Afghanistan. In the wake of the loss of life and suffering, the US presented its support as $55 million in new assistance from USAID. This aid would support the ongoing crisis and would assist delivery of life-saving shelter, sanitation, and hygiene materials for people.
The representatives discussed the assistance provided by the US to Afghanistan in form of $774 million since 2021. The US representatives also registered their concerns regarding the Taliban’s interference in the delivery of humanitarian assistance.
Both sides agreed on the importance of access to basic healthcare throughout the country, along with transparency in delivery services.
For economic stabilization, the US welcomed a recent payment of arrears to international financial institutions. The US also mentioned its support for enhancing the availability of Afghan currency in the economy was followed. Both sides discussed U.S actions to preserve $3.5 billion in Afghan Central Bank reserves and steps to increase international trust.
The ongoing restrictions on the rights of Afghan women and girls were a central focus of the meeting. The US supported the initiatives taken by Special Envoy for Afghan Women, Girls, and Human Rights, Rina Amiri along with her colleagues.
The US representatives emphasized the linkage between progress in the protection of Afghans’ rights and the normalizing of ties with America.
Apart from this, the two sides expressed an interest in further discussions about counternarcotics and disaster response planning.
The US concluded the meeting by expressing its concern over the presence of terrorist elements in Afghanistan. In addition to this, the Taliban pledged not to let any state use their land to threaten other states.
