Afghanistan - Q&A from the press briefing (6 September 2021)

Q: The Taliban have announced that they have taken control of Panjshir. What impact might this have on the situation in Afghanistan and contacts between France and the Taliban?

A: As stated several times, operational contacts with representatives of the Talib movement, both in Kabul and Doha, are aimed at facilitating our evacuation operations.

We have set out several demads to the Taliban: the removal of obstacles for people wanting to leave the country; free access for humanitarian aid in the territory; a total split from any terrorist organization; and respect for basic rights, particularly those of women. The establishment of a transitional government in the context of the negotiations under way is another of our expectations. We shall judge the Taliban’s action by deeds, not words.