Germany in talks with Turkey, U.S., Taliban over Kabul airport deadline for evacuation

Germany is in talks with Turkey, the United States and the Taliban to keep Kabul Airport open for civilian evacuation past the August 31 deadline for the withdrawal of international troops from the war-torn country, German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas said on Monday.

The German official made the remarks during the leaders of the Group of Seven (G7) industrialised countries summit, Reuters reported.

Germany has been looking at options for keeping the airport running beyond Aug 31 for days, Maas told reporters, adding that G7 leaders on Sunday would discuss how to improve access for evacuees to Kabul airport.

Turkey, which has provided security at Kabul airport, was in talks with the United States to continue its presence there after a U.S. military pullout, due to conclude later this month. But the Taliban seized control in Afghanistan last week, sparking chaos, particularly at the Kabul airport, the scene of a desperate evacuation from the war-battered country, while leaving unclear Turkey’s role.

"We are talking with the United States, Turkey and other partners with the aim of facilitating a civil operation of Kabul airport to enable the evacuation of people (beyond Aug 31)," Reuters cited Maas as saying on Monday. "We will also have to continue to talk with the Taliban about this issue, and that's what we are doing."

Turkish Defence Minister Hulusi Akar on Sunday said Ankara had taken precautions and was prepared to evacuate its military personnel if necessary.

Preparations are also underway for a mandate in the event Turkish soldiers are to remain in Afghanistan's capital Kabul, Akar told Daily Sabah in an interview.