EU sets out position on Afghanistan government

By Nathan Morely

The EU and Britain have joined the United States in saying they will deal with the Taliban, but won't see them as Afghanistan's government.

Josep Borrell, the official in charge of EU foreign policy, said any engagement would be subject to strict conditions and would only be to support the Afghan people.

Borrell said Brussels would co-ordinate with the US, G7, G20 and other organisations, and that it would initiate a regional political platform of co-operation with the country's neighbours.

The move comes as the Taliban prepares to announce who will be in its government.

Separately, the Russian President Vladimir Putin has said the US pullout from Afghanistan was catastrophe and has caused a humanitarian disaster. The Russian ambassador to Kabul has said Moscow is in touch with potential members of the Taliban's new government.

Separately, the Afghan flag carrier, Ariana Airlines, will resume domestic flights from Kabul airport later. The airport has been closed to commercial traffic since the Taliban took over Kabul last month.