EU hosts Taliban officials in Brussels for first time

AI Summary

The EU hosted Taliban officials in Brussels for the first time to facilitate easier repatriation of rejected asylum seekers. While the move was criticized by rights groups as legitimizing the Islamist group, the EU maintains they have not recognized the Taliban government.

By Amina Ismail and Inti Landauro BRUSSELS, June 23 (Reuters) - A delegation from Afghanistan's Taliban met on Tuesday with EU officials in Brussels for the first time, an event rights groups denounced as legitimising the Islamists but the EU has defended as a step to make it easier to repatriate failed asylum seekers. The EU and its member countries have not recognised the Taliban government since the militant group returned to power five years ago after 20 years of war against a government backed by a U.S.-led NATO force.