FRANCE IS IN TALKS WITH THE TALIBAN ON HUMANITARIAN OPS: MACRON

Sat 28 August 2021:

French President Emmanuel Macron on Saturday confirmed that negotiations are being carried out with the Taliban on the humanitarian operations and the evacuation of vulnerable Afghans.

“Yes, talks have begun with the Taliban on humanitarian operations and the ability to protect and evacuate Afghans at risk,” Macron said told a press conference on the sidelines of Baghdad Cooperation and Partnership Conference.

French President Emmanuel Macron said the talks Saturday “remain fragile and very provisional.” He spoke at a news conference in Baghdad during the first leg of a two-day visit to Iraq. The emir of Qatar was among leaders present at a regional summit centered on Iraq co-organized by France.

“Our goal is that in the days, weeks months ahead … (France could) proceed with targeted evacuation operations of these men and women whom we identified,” Macron said, suggesting that airlines could be used “with security conditions that remain to be defined.” He did not further elaborate.

The operations France envisages would be “systematically negotiated with the Taliban,” in particular the security aspect.

Macron also set out three “essential prerequisites” for discussing any future political relations with the Taliban, including that they “absolutely respect” humanitarian rights and the right of Afghans who want to leave to seek protection be able to do so, notably artists, intellectuals, journalists and women. He said the Taliban must also respect a “red line” regarding all terrorist groups and respect human rights, in particular the dignity of women.

The French ambassador to Kabul, evacuated Friday, is to continue working in Paris in that function.

The French leader noted that the mission was being worked out in cooperation with Qatar.

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