Blinken says US ready to work with new Taliban regime if it does not carry out reprisals

<p>
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Monday said the United States was prepared to work with the new Taliban regime provided it does not carry out reprisals against its opponents in Afghanistan.</p>
<p>
"The Taliban seeks international legitimacy and support. Our position is any legitimacy and support will have to be earned," he said.</p>
<p>
Speaking shortly after the Pentagon announced the completion of the U.S. military withdrawal on Monday, Blinken said the U.S. Embassy in Kabul will remain shuttered and vacant for the foreseeable future.</p>
<p>
He said American diplomats who had worked from the now-closed embassy in Kabul will be based at Doha in Qatar and conduct Washington’s Afghanistan diplomacy including consular work and administering humanitarian assistance.</p>
<p>
Blinken said, "We will continue our relentless efforts to help Americans, foreign nationals and Afghans leave Afghanistan if they choose," Blinken said in an address from the State Department. "Our commitment to them holds no deadline."</p>
<p>
He said close to 100 Americans were still believed to remain in Afghanistan who wanted to leave but Washington was trying to determine their exact number. Over 6,000 Americans have been evacuated.</p>
<p>
Blinken said the U.S. would work with Afghanistan’s neighbors to secure their departure either overland or by charter flight once the Kabul airport re-opens.</p>
<p>
"We have no illusion that any of this will be easy, or rapid," he admitted.</p>
<p>
"A new chapter of America's engagement with Afghanistan has begun. It's one in which we will lead with our diplomacy," Blinken added.</p>
<p>
<strong>Also read: <a href="https://www.indianarrative.com/world-news/russia-rolls-out-motorised-troops-in-military-drill-on-afghanistan-border-111388.html">Russia rolls out motorised troops in military drill on Afghanistan border</a> </strong></p>