UNITED NATIONS - A Chinese envoy said Thursday that helping Afghanistan ease the humanitarian and economic crises is the top priority for the international community.

UNITED NATIONS -- The US misappropriation of frozen Afghan assets while the Asian country is facing an avalanche of hunger and poverty is inhumane, said a Chinese envoy on Wednesday.

Former British foreign secretary David Miliband says it is the ordinary people of Afghanistan and not the Taliban who have suffered as a result of what he called the "catastrophic" handling of the international response to the crisis in the country.

With Turkey, Qatar cooperation, links to Kabul can help ease crisis, experts say

On their first visit to Europe since returning to power, the Taliban have held landmark talks with Western diplomats in Oslo on Monday over the humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan, a meeting the Afghan delegation called an "achievement in itself".

SHEBIRGHAN, Afghanistan－Making artificial flowers has made Afghans feel as if it is spring all year round, says Fariha, 22, a flower maker in Afghanistan's northern province of Jawzjan.

Chinese special envoy for Afghan affairs Yue Xiaoyong has wrapped up 112 days of shuttle visits to foreign countries, a hectic diplomatic schedule that highlights Beijing's active role in helping Afghanistan cope with critical changes.

UNITED NATIONS - The United Nations and partners are conducting needs assessments while distributing aid across Afghanistan, one of the world's greatest emergencies, UN humanitarians said on Thursday.

KABUL - Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid has confirmed the clash between border forces of Iran and Afghanistan and described the incident as a "misunderstanding."

UNITED NATIONS - The United Nations and its partners are distributing winter clothing, emergency shelter, heating, fuel and rent support for tens of thousands of people in Afghanistan, UN humanitarians said on Tuesday.

Afghanistan will seek good relations with other countries, the acting prime minister said in an address that sought to ease concerns abroad about Taliban control while appealing for humanitarian assistance.

KANDAHAR, Afghanistan - A bomb blast inside a mosque in Kandahar city, capital of southern Kandahar province, on Friday, has caused concern among war-weary Afghans who are praying for the return of lasting peace in their war-torn country.

In the explosion, which targeted Imam Barga Fatimia, a Shiite mosque in Kandahar city, 16 worshippers were killed and 32 others injured, local media reports said.

US urged to lift ban on Afghan central bank and not to interfere with its affairs