During a recent press briefing, the US State Department categorically denied funding the Afghan Taliban, calling the claim 'absolutely false'. Spokesperson Matt Miller clarified that no funding is provided to the group, responding to concerns raised about misinformation from a recent interview with a Taliban senior official. The denial comes as the US continues to monitor the Taliban's treatment of Afghan women and girls, citing a recent UN report on the arbitrary enforcement of the Taliban's morality code. The State Department also expressed condolences for recent terrorist attacks in Pakistan and reaffirmed the shared interest in combating regional security threats. Miller confirmed ongoing discussions with Turkey regarding the Gaza ceasefire and reconstruction plans. He also addressed changes in the State Department's team handling North Korea and refrained from commenting on a suggestion by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to Russian President Vladimir Putin regarding a barter trade system to counter Western financial sanctions. [2a74d5c9]