Taliban seeks international recognition; Putin supports
Nato to redouble evacuation efforts in Afghanistan, calls for ‘inclusive’ govt
The Taliban has appealed to the international community to recognise it amid growing resentment against the militant group at home and abroad. The group’s appeal to “respect the will of the Afghan people” was echoed by Russian President Vladimir Putin, who said other countries should not impose their own values on Afghanistan and that the reality was that the Taliban had taken control of most of the country.
Speaking with China's state-run CGTN TV, Taliban spokesman Suhail Shaheen assured that the new government in Kabul would protect women's rights to education and work. He also urged international monetary organisations to release funds to the new government.
The Taliban, which shared close ties with Pakistan, have been warming up to Beijing ahead of its recent offensive resulting in seizing power in Kabul. “China is a big country with a huge economy and capacity. They can play a big role in reconstruction of Afghanistan,” Shaheen said.
Beijing, on its part, stressed that Afghanistan must not become a “gathering place” for terrorism again and should be supported in its resolute fight against the scourge. China is concerned as according to a recent UN report, hundreds of militants belonging to the East Turkistan Islamic Movement are converging in Afghanistan.
Putin, on the other hand, said it was not in Russia's interests to dwell on the results of the US military campaign in Afghanistan and that it was important to establish good and neighbourly relations with Afghanistan. His comments came after talks with German Chancellor Angela Merkel.
In Kabul, meanwhile, foreign powers sought to increase evacuations after reports of Taliban reprisals, including against people who had worked with Us-led forces or the previous Western-backed government. More than 18,000 people have been flown out since the militants took the Afghanistan capital, according to transatlantic alliance Nato, but Western governments are facing criticism for not anticipating such a speedy exodus or helping enough.
Nato foreign ministers said future Afghan government must be “inclusive” and allow unhindered humanitarian access.