Macron says France is holding talks with the Taliban on new Afghan evacuations

Baghdad, August 28 (Reuters) – President Emmanuel Macron said on Saturday that France was holding preliminary talks with the Taliban on the humanitarian situation in Afghanistan and the possible evacuation of more people from the country.

Macron, who spoke in Baghdad, where he was attending a summit with several Middle Eastern leaders, said France was also discussing with Qatar how it could restore a path for Afghan evacuations, although there was still nothing for sure.

“We have begun to have very fragile and preliminary discussions with the Taliban on the issue of humanitarian operations and the ability to protect and repatriate Afghans at risk,” Macron said at a news conference.

U.S. military forces, which have been monitoring Kabul airport, will have to withdraw before Tuesday’s deadline set by President Joe Biden. L1N2PZ02Y

The French government said on Friday that it had completed the Kabul evacuation operation according to that schedule, but would continue to help those in need of protection leave Afghanistan.

Macron also said France would keep troops in Iraq as part of counterterrorism operations while the Iraqi government needs them, regardless of whether or not the United States decides to withdraw.

“Whatever Americans decide, we will maintain our presence to fight terrorism in Iraq,” he said.

Report by Manuel Ausloos Written by Sarah White Edited by Andrew Heavens and Helen Popper

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