Kabul, Afghanistan – Russia says it wants to work towards “full diplomatic recognition” of the Taliban leadership under a condition, where the Islamic Emirate will establish an inclusive government in Afghanistan.
In recent months, Russia, China, Pakistan, Turkmenistan, and Iran have accredited the Islamic Emirate’s appointed diplomat, though all had initially refused to recognize the 8-month-old government in the country.
“We want to work towards the full diplomatic recognition of the new authorities in Afghanistan, under the understanding that they will keep their promise and form an inclusive government…,” said Sergeĭ Viktorovich Lavrov, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation.
Considering the ethnic diversity within the country and government bodies, who now are politically Taliban members, Lavrov said the inclusivity in the caretaker government will determine Moscow’s next steps.
“…Since they now have Uzbeks, Tajiks and Hazaras in the government, they are all Taliban members politically,” he elaborated, as TOLOnews quoted. “But it is the political inclusiveness that should determine our further moves, especially since the Taliban have proclaimed this aim.”
Lavrov also said, “we have regular contact with the Taliban via our embassies, via representatives of our departments that consider issues of economic cooperation among other issues.”
Meanwhile, a political member in the country had positive thoughts on the creative of inclusive government, saying such is a must need to for Afghan people – not otherwise.
“Unless the Islamic Emirate government is inclusive, no country, neither near nor far, is ready to recognize it,” said Ishaq Gailani, head of the National Solidarity Movement of Afghanistan.
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With a bid for full recognition at international level, the Taliban government has welcomed the discussion on “diplomatic and political relations”, saying it is a “good step”.
“The Islamic Emirate has also taken steps in this regard, it has taken steps in the case of an accountable government that will have the support of the people and full legitimacy,” said Bilal Karimi, deputy spokesman for the Islamic Emirate.
Establishing an inclusive government, observing women’s rights, and not using Afghan soil against any other countries are some of the major conditions international community put upfront before recognizing Taliban as the formal government of Afghanistan.
Taliban takeover last August lead the United States and other Western countries to shutting down their diplomatic posts in Kabul. They, however, have maintained contact with the group to facilitate the flow of humanitarian aids into the country.
