Macron: Taliban Assuming Power Is a "Turning Point"
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President Emmanuel Macron of France said that the absolute emergency is to get the French citizens to safety: "They all need to leave the country together with the Afghans that have worked for France," he added.
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Emmanuel Macron rewards loyalists to the regime.
French President Emmanuel Macron made a statement Monday, in which he said, "Protecting those who helped France over the years is an absolute emergency," saying France would not abandon Afghans who worked for the country, and who are under threat with the collapse of the government while the Taliban is in the seat of power.
Macron said France will help those who helped the country over the years, "From translators to kitchen staff as well as artists, activists, and others."
The French President said he had spoken to British Prime Minister Boris Johnson about a peace initiative in Afghanistan.
Macron also said two military transport planes with special forces were to arrive in Kabul in the coming hours to help those he promised France would not abandon.
Macron asserted his belief that there is a turning point in Afghanistan after the Taliban came to power. "This turning point, which we were prepared for, requires immediate decisions and initiatives to address the humanitarian catastrophe," Macron added in his pre-recorded speech.
Additionally, Macron noted that Europe must protect itself against the waves of immigrants and human trafficking, indicating that he discussed with the European Union coordination with Turkey, Pakistan, and Iran to take in refugees.
Macron's speech comes after the Taliban captured Kabul on Sunday, following a collapse in the Afghan forces after President Ashraf Ghani fled the country.
Additionally, on Sunday, a Taliban official said that the movement would soon declare the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan from the presidential palace in Kabul.
