In direct talks with a US delegation in Doha a week ago, the Taliban sought the removal of UN restrictions on their travel, a media report said on Sunday.
Maulvi Sher Abbas Stanikzai, who led the Taliban team at the meeting, demanded the lifting of UN curbs and recognition of their office in Qatar, Daily Times of Pakistan reported.
It quoted an unnamed Taliban source as saying the militant movement would constitute a new team for formal negotiations if progress was achieved in preliminary meetings.
The July 23 talks in Qatar involving US Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs Alice Wells were held in a cordial atmosphere, the Taliban said.
Taliban’s political bureau in Doha was opened in 2013. However, it was shut soon after a strong protest from former president Hamid Karzai. Despite the closure of their office, Taliban’s political representatives have been in Doha.
Several members of Taliban’s political commission met Wells and other American diplomats. The contact took place after the Trump administration asked top diplomats they to launch direct negotiations with the Taliban.
The Doha meeting involved no Afghan officials or ministers in line with Taliban’s demand. The Afghan peace process came up for discussion at the meeting, which was described as useful.
