Blinken: US Will Not Lift Sanctions, Will Ensure Aid to Afghans
Voice of America
WASHINGTON - The United States says it will not lift existing sanctions on the Taliban, but it will ensure lifesaving humanitarian aid to vulnerable Afghans amid what the United Nations describes as "a looming crisis" in the country.
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Tuesday pledged to continue humanitarian aid to the Afghan people through United Nations agencies and nongovernmental organizations, a day after the United States said it would provide nearly $64 million in new humanitarian assistance.
The top U.S. diplomat, during testimony before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, faced another round of tough questioning from lawmakers over last month's withdrawal of American troops from Afghanistan. He testified before the House Foreign Affairs Committee the day before.
During the 3½-hour hearing Tuesday, Blinken said the additional funding will "meet critical health and nutrition needs, address the protection concerns of women, children, and minorities to help more children — including girls — go back to school."
