Russia: Taliban recognition not on the table

KABUL (Pajhwok): International recognition of the Taliban government is not currently under consideration, says Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov.

Speaking on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly on Saturday, Lavrov said: "The question of international recognition of the Taliban at the present juncture is not on the table."

Reuters quoted Lavrov as telling journalists that Mali had sought help from a private Russian military firm to in combating insurgents.

Mali's year-old military junta is close to a deal to recruit the Russian private military contractors the Wagner Group, sources have told Reuters, triggering opposition from France, which has said it was "incompatible" with a continued French presence in the West African state. read more

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres believes the Taliban's quest for global recognition is the only leverage other nations have to press for an inclusive government in Afghanistan.

PAN Monitor/mud