WASHINGTON, Oct 11, 2021 (BSS/AFP) - US officials have met with senior
Taliban representatives in Qatar to discuss security and human rights in
Afghanistan, the State Department said Sunday.

  A US interagency delegation flew to Doha on Saturday and Sunday for talks
"focused on security and terrorism concerns and safe passage for US citizens,
other foreign nationals and our Afghan partners," according to State
Department spokesman Ned Price.

  Other areas of focus were "human rights, including the meaningful
participation of women and girls in all aspects of Afghan society," Price
said in a statement.

  The two sides also discussed "the United States' provision of robust
humanitarian assistance, directly to the Afghan people."

  According to the State Department, the discussions were "candid and
professional" and US officials reiterated that "the Taliban will be judged on
its actions, not only its words."

  The Taliban are seeking international recognition, as well as assistance to
avoid a humanitarian disaster, after they returned to power in August
following the withdrawal of US troops following 20 years of war.