By David Brunnstrom

WASHINGTON (Reuters] – The United States stated Sunday that the first face to face meeting between Taliban leaders and senior U.S. officials in Afghanistan since the group’s retaken power was “candid” and that both sides reiterated their belief that they would evaluate the Taliban based upon their actions and not only their words.

The State Department stated that the U.S. delegation participated in weekend talks in Doha (Qatar) on security and terrorist concerns. They also discussed safe passage for U.S. citizens and Afghans. Human rights included the participation of Afghan women and girls to all aspects of Afghan society.

The statement said that the parties also talked about U.S. humanitarian support for Afghans.

The statement stated that “the discussions were candid, professional with the U.S. delegation reiterating the fact that the Taliban will not be judged on their words but its actions.”

Al Jazeera heard Saturday that the acting foreign minister of Afghanistan said that Taliban representatives requested the United States for a lifting of the ban on Afghan central banks reserves.

Biden administration officials said to Reuters Friday that the U.S. would press Taliban leaders to free kidnapped U.S. citizens Mark Frerichs and Frerichs. The Taliban must be held accountable for their refusal to make Afghanistan a terrorist hotbed again.

Twenty years ago, the Taliban seized power in Afghanistan after being defeated in a U.S. led invasion. They refused to surrender Osama Bin Laden, al Qaeda’s leader following the attacks of September 11, 2001.

According to officials, the meeting was “not about recognising or giving legitimacy” to Taliban group.

U.S. officials claim they have been in touch with several Americans and legal permanent resident who want to leave Afghanistan. There are also thousands of U.S.-allied Afghans still living in Afghanistan, and are at high risk for Taliban persecution.

Washington and the West are facing difficult decisions in Afghanistan as there is a humanitarian crisis. The West is trying to find a way to deal with Taliban while still ensuring that humanitarian aid is flowing into Afghanistan.