The first Taliban delegation to visit Europe since returning to power in Afghanistan began talks Sunday in Oslo with Afghan civil society members focused on human rights, ahead of highly-anticipated meetings with Western officials.
Headed by Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi, the delegation dedicated the first day of their three-day visit to talks with women activists and journalists, among others.
International aid came to a sudden halt after their takeover, worsening the plight of millions of people who were already suffering from hunger after several severe droughts. "But we must talk to the de facto authorities in the country. We cannot allow the political situation to lead to an even worse humanitarian disaster," Huitfeldt said Friday.
In an interview with AFP on Saturday, Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said the hardline Islamists hoped the talks would help "transform the atmosphere of war... into a peaceful situation".Joining the delegation from Kabul is Anas Haqqani, a leader of the most feared and violent faction of the Taliban movement –- the Haqqani network, responsible for some of the most devastating attacks in Afghanistan.
The international community is waiting to see how the Taliban intend to govern after being accused of trampling human rights during their first stint in power between 1996 and 2001.
South Africa Latest News, South Africa Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Blast hits western Afghan city of Herat, killing at least sixA blast ripped through a minivan in the western Afghan city of Herat on Saturday, killing at least six people, according to officials.
Read more »
Talks with Taliban begin in NorwayOSLO, Norway (AP) — A Taliban delegation led by acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi on Sunday started three days of talks with Western government officials and Afghan civil society repr…
Read more »
Taliban meet Western officials in Oslo, aid tops agendaHuman rights and the humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan will be in focus at talks in Oslo between the Taliban, the West and members of Afghan civil society
Read more »
Taliban hopes Oslo talks will help 'transform atmosphere of war' with WestAfghan Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid has said the group is looking to strengthen relations through diplomacy with all the countries, including European countries and the West in general.
Read more »
A Journey Along Afghanistan's Main Highway Leads Through a Country in TransitionFive months into the new Taliban regime, many Afghans say they're relieved the war is over. A trip along the country's main highway reveals a country in transition.
Read more »