Afghan embassy in New Delhi stops operations

ATLANTA (Pajhwok): The Afghan embassy in New Delhi has been closed due to the ill treatment and lack of cooperation from the Indian External Affairs Ministry, officials say.

The embassy’s assets have been handed over to the Indian foreign ministry, which was informed two days ago of the mission’s closure by October 1.

In a statement on September 30, the embassy said it was ceasing operations due to lack of cooperation from Indian authorities and the absence of an effective government in Kabul.

These are the reasons why the diplomatic mission could no longer provide proper services to Afghans, the press released added.

It alleged the host country's non-extension of diplomats' visas, the absence of a good work environment and lack of support delayed and hindered their operations.

The embassy said: “Because of these conditions, we have decided with great regret that only limited consular service will be provided to the host country until the mission is maintained and all other activities will be halted.”

The embassy asked the Indian government to consider the four demands sent to the External Affairs Ministry on September 25.

The embassy requested the Indian government to shoulder responsibility for protecting properties of Afghan diplomatic mission in New Delhi and Mumbai in line with the Vienna Convention.

The embassy also asked the Indian government to protect Afghanistan’s $500,000 assets in Indian banks.

It shared with the Indian ministry a detailed list of other assets such as vehicles, stamps, official documents and embassy belongings.

The mission also requested the renewal of diplomatic visas which expired in May and issue other necessary documents to officials of the mission to leave that country along with their families.

Non-extension of visas was mounting pressure on the activities of the diplomatic mission systematically.

The embassy had been providing services under hard conditions after the political change in the country and stayed committed to the true representation of Afghanistan,.

After a stop to financial assistance from Kabul, the embassy said, it was sacking all its employees until a "legitimate government" was established in Afghanistan.

Moreover, the embassy urged the government of India to let the flag of Afghanistan remain hoisted on its building.

Indian media, meanwhile, reported that the mission had been closed because tits officials  had been granted refuge in Western countries -- a claim that was rejected by the embassy.

aw/mud