Russia lends weight to US idea of interim Afghan govt

KABUL (Pajhwok): Ahead of hosting a conference on Afghanistan, Moscow has voiced support for Taliban’s integration into a future interim government in Kabul.

A spokeswoman for the Russian foreign ministry backed the US idea of an inclusive interim set-up in Afghanistan amid a renewed global push to end decades of conflict.

Addressing a regular weekly news conference in Moscow, Maria Zakharova said: “An inclusive interim administration would be a logical solution to the problem of integrating the Taliban into a peaceful political life.”

Any decision on the issue should be taken by the Afghans themselves and the problem should be resolved through talks on national reconciliation, she was quoted as saying by TASS news agency.

Talks between Afghan government and Taliban representatives are scheduled to take place in Moscow next week. Afghan politicians and Taliban have confirmed receiving invitations to the meeting.

Last week, the US special envoy urged the Afghan leadership to work towards creating an inclusive government — a suggestion that drew instant opposition from President Ashraf Ghani.

In a letter to Afghan leaders, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken also proposed a “new, inclusive government.” He suggested talks within weeks in Turkey to seal a peace deal with the Taliban.

PAN Monitor/mud