US 'Concerned' By Taliban Government Makeup But Will Look At 'Actions'

"We understand that the Taliban has presented this as a caretaker cabinet. However, we will judge the Taliban by its actions, not words."

The United States said it was concerned about members of a Taliban government named Tuesday but said it would judge it by actions, including letting Afghans leave freely. "We note the announced list of names consists exclusively of individuals who are members of the Taliban or their close associates and no women. We also are concerned by the affiliations and track records of some of the individuals," a State Department spokesperson said as Secretary of State Antony Blinken held talks on Afghanistan in Qatar. "We understand that the Taliban has presented this as a caretaker cabinet. However, we will judge the Taliban by its actions, not words." The State Department renewed its call on the Taliban to offer safe passage to US citizens as well as Afghans looking to leave.