Oslo: According to Norway’s foreign ministry, the first Taliban delegation to visit Europe since retaking control in Afghanistan began talks with Afghan civil society representatives on human rights on Sunday.
The group, led by Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi, was scheduled to meet with women activists and journalists on the opening day of their three-day visit before meeting with Western diplomats on Monday and Tuesday. The meetings were held behind closed doors at the Soria Moria Hotel on the outskirts of Oslo, and were organised by Norway.
The humanitarian situation in Afghanistan has worsened dramatically since August, when international help abruptly ceased in the country, which is already suffering from numerous severe droughts. Since the Taliban retook power in August, no country has recognised the Taliban government.
Norwegian Foreign Minister Anniken Huitfeldt emphasised last week that the talks would “not signify a legitimisation or acceptance of the Taliban”. After mostly trampling on human rights during their first term in office, from 1996 and 2001, the international community is waiting to see how the Islamic extremists intend to govern Afghanistan.
The Taliban will meet with representatives from the United States, France, the United Kingdom, Germany, Italy, and the European Union on Monday, while bilateral negotiations with Norwegian authorities will take place on Tuesday.
