EU staffer met Taliban fighters in Helmand: Wafa

LASHKARGAH: Helmand Governor Asadullah Wafa said the staffer of European Union, who was expelled from Afghanistan, had met Taliban fighters in restive Helmand province.

Addressing a news conference here Wafa said the foreigner had met suicide bombers and Taliban commanders earlier and had come to Helmand this week for another meeting with insurgents who were actively fighting Afghan and coalition forces in the area.

Wafa said the foreigners told him they had come for negotiations with insurgents but had no authority in this regard.

"I told them that negotiations with Taliban was not their task and informed authorities in Kabul who directed me to send the foreigners to Kabul", he added.

Wafa said then the foreigners were handed over to PRT officials in Helmand.

Wasfa said the Afghans accompanying these foreigners including Gen. Naqib has been handed over to security forces for investigations.

He said Michael Semple was the main character in the issue and the other foreigner was not involved.

"When I was the governor in Kunar Michael had come there too and had told me that he has also visited Kringal valley", Wafa concluded.