Joe Biden had called the evacuation from Afghanistan the “hardest airlift” in history.
Washington:
The Taliban are seeking legitimacy and have made promises, but Washington will see whether “they mean it or not,” US President Joe Biden said, adding that “I don’t trust anyone” when asked whether he believes the Taliban or not.
Speaking to the nation from the White House, Biden said that if the Taliban are going to try to provide for the people of Afghanistan, they will need extra help in economic aid, trade and a whole host of things.
“I don’t trust anyone. The Taliban have to make a fundamental decision. Will the Taliban try to unite and ensure the well-being of the Afghan people, which no group has ever done in 100 years? If it does, would it need extra help have in the areas of economic aid, trade and a whole host of things,” he said when asked if he now trusts the Taliban.
“The Taliban have said and we will see if they mean it or not. They are seeking legitimacy to determine whether or not they are recognized by other countries. They have told other countries as well as us that they do not want us to fully exploit our diplomatic presence. All this talk now, so far the Taliban has taken no action against the US forces,” he added.
His comments come as countries continue to evacuate their citizens from Afghanistan through the Kabul airport, which is under US control.
The evacuations are being carried out as the security situation in Afghanistan has deteriorated following the Taliban takeover and the collapse of Ashraf Ghani’s government.
The US military has taken about 25,100 people out of Afghanistan since August 14 and about 30,000 since the end of July.
Biden said he is in talks with his military officials about extending the evacuation mission in Afghanistan beyond the August 31 deadline.
Biden said the US has expanded the safe zone around Kabul airport. “We have made a number of changes, including expanding access around the airport and the safe zone,” he said.
Earlier on Friday, Biden called the evacuation from Afghanistan the “most difficult and largest airlift in history.” He had assured that he would get all Americans and allies out of the war-torn country. “The evacuation of Kabul is one of the largest and most difficult airlifts in history,” Biden had said.
