Taliban begin talks with Western officials in Oslo Taliban members will meet with Western officials in Norway for the first time in Europe since the occupation of Afghanistan.
 |
| Taliban begin talks with Western officials |
The United Nations says 95% of Afghans do not have enough to eat.
There have been several protests in Europe, with critics claiming that the Taliban should not be rewarded with the meetings.
On Sunday, members of the Taliban met human rights activists, but details of the talks were not released.
Women's activist Jamila Afghani told AFP that the negotiators had shown "goodwill".
"Let's see what their work will depend on what they say," he said.
An appeal to help Afghanistan out of hunger
Fighting to save starving children in Afghanistan
Monday is said to be the most important day in the talks, as members of the Taliban met with Western officials. The group is ready to request access to billions of dollars deposited in US banks.
Unemployment and food prices have soared in Afghanistan, while its currency has fallen in value and banks have placed restrictions on cash withdrawals.
The United Nations has warned that 55% of the population is at risk of starvation.
"We urge them to give up their origins and not punish ordinary Afghans for their political affiliation," Taliban spokesman Shafieullah Azam told the Associated Press.
"Because of the famine and because of the harsh winter, I think it is time for the international community to support the Afghans, not punish them for their political differences."
Police guard the road to the hotel outside Oslo
Image source, Reuters
Illustrative image,
The talks are being held in a hotel outside the Norwegian capital, Oslo
Western ambassadors are expected to stress the importance of a Taliban government and more inclusive human rights.
Since taking power, the two students have asked most of the female workers to stay at home while secondary schools are open to male and female teachers only. Several women have been targeted for speaking out against the move. Some are reported missing and the Taliban have denied any involvement. But the Taliban told the BBC's Quentin Somerville that the allegations were fabricated.
Human rights activists and journalists have also been targeted since the Taliban came to power.
Zabihullah Mujahid, Afghanistan's deputy minister of information and culture, said on Monday that girls will be allowed to go to school from the end of March this year. He also denied that the Taliban had detained many women protesting for their rights.
At present, no country has recognized the new Afghan government.
Norwegian Foreign Minister Anakin Whitfield said the meetings "do not represent legitimacy or recognition of the Taliban."
"But we must talk to the de facto authorities in the country," he said.
This initiative has divided Afghans - with some emphasizing the importance of engaging the Taliban. Others insist the Taliban should not be invited into European capitals when they systematically violate human rights in their country, says Doucet in the BBC's license.
There were several protests across Europe over the weekend.
In Oslo, a protester told AFP that the talks were a "smile on the face" of Afghans who had lost family members.
"You don't talk to terrorists," he said.
media captions,
See: Hillary Clinton talks to an Afghan girl in hiding from the Taliban
This story is more
"Please help me, the Taliban have come to my house"
Posted 2 days ago
The Taliban has expanded its 'food for work' program
Posted on January 12
Related topics
