The Russian diplomatic mission in Afghanistan is not getting ready for evacuation due to the aggravated situation in the country, the Russian ambassador to the country, Dmitry Zhirnov, said in an interview with Russia-24 TV channel.
"No, we are not preparing for evacuation," he said in response to a related question. "I proceed from the fact that Kabul, of course, is the most fortified city, the most fortified point, the authorities, the security forces, the headquarters of the Supreme Commander-in-Chief of Afghanistan are here. Accordingly, in terms of security, Kabul has the biggest number of resources," he explained.
According to the diplomat, the embassy is now working as usual, adjusting for the "very complicated" situation with the coronavirus in the region.
He said the parties to the Afghan conflict should start substantive negotiations as soon as possible, which would involve concessions. The diplomat noted that the substantive phase of the inter-Afghan negotiations has not yet begun. "The parties in Doha began meetings last September, but no substantive progress, no substantive dialogue there. Our policy and Russia's policy that we pursue, including within the framework of the mechanism of the expanded "troika" - Russia, the US, China, and Pakistan, is that both sides, including official Kabul, should start substantive talks as soon as possible. These talks should involve concessions," the ambassador said.
Zhirnov noted that no one from outside will be able to resolve the conflict in Afghanistan. "There have been important inter-Afghan meetings in Moscow in previous years and this year, where important steps toward a peaceful settlement have been made, but a peaceful settlement depends on the Afghan parties themselves," he said. - "No one can solve this conflict for the Afghans on the outside, no one can say what formula or design is needed. In this sense, the mood of both sides, including official Kabul, is needed to start substantive negotiations".
The ambassador stressed that the only solution to the current situation is a peaceful settlement. "This is Russia's consistent line, we have always not just advocated it, we have taken all necessary efforts for this," Zhirnov noted. - "Our line is that both sides, including official Kabul, should start substantive negotiations as soon as possible."
GSV "Russia - Islamic World"
Photo: Creative Commons
Based on materials from TASS