Lavrov: Afghan Government Should Negotiate with All Parties
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov says the Afghan government should not think about ways to stay in power but rather about the country's future, stressing the need to start negotiations with the Taliban as soon as possible.
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Lavrov urges the Afghan government should initiate a dialogue with all parties.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said today, Friday, that the Afghan government should not think about ways to stay in power but rather about the country's future, stressing to start negotiations with the "Taliban" as soon as possible.
Lavrov said that the state of uncertainty should end because it is in favor of forces in Kabul, allowing them to remain in power.
He added that "We must not think of ourselves, but of our country, therefore the government must initiate a dialogue with all the parties."
Lavrov pointed out that the Taliban movement controls 70-80% of the territory of Afghanistan, pointing out that "the absence of a political process in Afghanistan creates additional risks."
Kremlin Press Secretary, Dmitry Peskov, said that the Russian authorities are not yet planning to exclude the Taliban from the list of banned organizations.
He added, "So far, there are no developments in this regard, and if found, we will inform them."
A few days ago, the Russian envoy to Afghanistan, Zamir Kabulov, stated that the Taliban leaders are ready to settle after 20 years of fighting.
"I feel and see that the Taliban is ready for a political settlement, not only through positions but also through intentions expressed in various forms," the Russian envoy said during a press conference.
