The Taliban delegation urged the United States of America (USA) to unfreeze Afghanistan’s central bank reserves during a meeting with US representatives in Doha on Saturday. This was the first official dialogue between the two sides since the Taliban took over the administration in Kabul.

A statement by the Taliban said, “Political issues were discussed in detail during the meeting and the Islamic Emirate considered full implementation of the Doha agreement as the best way of resolving problems.”

“The humanitarian assistance should not be linked to political issues,” the Taliban further said.

When asked if the issue of releasing funds to the Afghan central bank was raised by the Taliban delegation during the meeting, spokesperson Suhail Shaheen said, “All topics of interest were discussed from their side and our side.”

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‘Unfreeze Afghanistan’s central bank reserves’: Taliban

Leading the delegation from the Taliban side, Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi urged the US to unfreeze Afghanistan’s central bank reserves.

The demand was raised as Washington DC has frozen nearly $10 billion in Afghan assets, mainly deposited in the US federal reserve since the Taliban took over Afghanistan.

The World Bank and the International Monetary Fund have also stopped the financial assistance and lending programs for Kabul, citing human rights concerns under the Taliban rule.

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While the current Afghan dispensation wants funds that they can disburse to the people, Washington is looking forward to reach the Afghans directly rather than go through the administration that is yet to prove inclusivity and respect for minorities.

“The two sides also discussed the United States’ provision of robust humanitarian assistance, directly to the Afghan people. The discussions were candid and professional with the US delegation, reiterating that the Taliban will be judged on its actions, not only its words,” a statement issued by the US state department said on Sunday.

The financial restrictions have raised concerns about an economic meltdown in Afghanistan which is currently hit by a major food crisis. Moreover, most government officials in the country have not been paid their salaries.

“We clearly told them [Americans] that nobody benefits from an unstable Afghanistan, so no one should try to weaken the current government of Afghanistan or fuel problems for our Afghan people who already are struggling economically,” Foreign Minister Muttaqi was quoted as saying by the Voice of America.

‘America to provide humanitarian aid to Afghans’: Taliban

While the conversations on unfreezing the accounts continue, the Taliban, in their statement after the bilateral talks, said that America will provide humanitarian aid to Afghans.

“US representatives stated that they will give humanitarian assistance to Afghans, will provide facilities for other humanitarian organisations to deliver aid,” it said.

“The IEA delegation welcomed the humanitarian assistance and remarked that it will cooperate with charitable groups in delivering humanitarian assistance to those deserving transparently, and will facilitate principled movement of foreign nationals,” the statement further read.

‘US focused on security and terrorism concerns’

Meanwhile, the US state department continued to maintain that their focus was on an inclusive government in Afghanistan, movement of Foreign nationals and Afghans from Afghanistan, and respect for human rights.

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“The US delegation focused on security and terrorism concerns and safe passage for US citizens, other foreign nationals and our Afghan partners, as well as on human rights, including the meaningful participation of women and girls in all aspects of Afghan society,” the State Department said in a press release.

Detailed discussions were held during the meeting about all relevant issues, and efforts will be made to improve diplomatic relations. Both sides also agreed to hold meetings in the future as well, if required.