Taliban talks in Norway raise new debate about recognition

By DAVID KEYTON
Associated Press

OSLO, Norway (AP) — Three days of talks between a Taliban delegation led by acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi, the Norwegian government and several allied countries have started in Oslo amid a deteriorating humanitarian situation in Afghanistan. The closed-door meetings that began Sunday have reignited a debate over whether they legitimize the Taliban government. The Taliban’s deputy minister of culture and information tweeted a voice message from Muttaqi expressing hopes that the talks in Norway will become “a gateway for a positive relationship with Europe.” Norway stressed the visit was not “recognition of the Taliban,” but a Taliban official said it’s a first step in that direction. Some protesters gathered in Oslo to condemn the meeting.