Taliban to be judged on deeds

• US delegation focused on security and terrorism concerns 

• Taliban considered full implementation of Doha deal as the best way of resolving problems

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The US State Department said Sunday that this weekend's talks with representatives of the Taliban in Doha, Qatar -- the first such gathering since the US withdrawal from Afghanistan at the end of August -- were "candid and professional" while emphasizing that the Taliban "will be judged on its actions, not only its words."

"The US delegation focused on security and terrorism concerns and safe passage for US citizens, other foreign nationals and our Afghan partners, as well as on human rights, including the meaningful participation of women and girls in all aspects of Afghan society," a readout from the State Department said.

"The two sides also discussed the United States' provision of robust humanitarian assistance, directly to the Afghan people."

Suhail Shaheen, Afghanistan's ambassador-designate to the UN, said the discussions "went well" in a statement Sunday evening. "Political issues were discussed in detail during the meeting and the Islamic Emirate considered full implementation of the Doha agreement as the best way of resolving problems and that the humanitarian assistance should not linked to political issues."

Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid told reporters on Saturday, "We had a detailed discussion with the American delegation in Doha."

"During this meeting, discussions were made about the humanitarian assistance as well and this discussion will continue," Mujahid said.

A State Department official had told CNN before the meeting that it was "a continuation of the pragmatic engagements with the Taliban on issues of US vital national interest." The official told CNN that the meeting with the Taliban representatives "is not about granting recognition or conferring legitimacy."

"We remain clear that any legitimacy must be earned through the Taliban's own actions," they said.

Meanwhile, the United States and Britain yesterday warned their citizens to avoid hotels in Afghanistan, days after dozens were killed at a mosque in an attack claimed by the Islamic State group.

The Taliban, which seized power in August and declared an Islamic emirate, are seeking international recognition and assistance to avoid a humanitarian disaster and ease Afghanistan's economic crisis.

But, as the hardline Islamist group transitions from a rebel army to a governing power, they are struggling to contain the threat from the Afghanistan chapter of IS, reports AFP.

"US citizens who are at or near the Serena Hotel should leave immediately," the US State Department said, citing "security threats" in the area.

"In light of the increased risks you are advised not to stay in hotels, particularly in Kabul (such as the Serena Hotel)," Britain's Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office added.