The terrorist organization Islamic State (IS, banned in the Russian Federation) is actively exploring territory in Afghanistan against the background of the withdrawal of NATO troops and the irresponsible approach of some officials in Kabul, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said at a press conference on Friday.
"We need to pay attention to Afghanistan where the Islamic State is actively pulling its forces in an inexcusably prolonged process of preparation of real peace negotiations. We are worried because the Islamists are actively exploring territories, especially in northern Afghanistan, right on the borders of our allies in conditions of irresponsible behavior of some officials in Kabul and hasty withdrawal of NATO troops from Afghanistan without any possibility to report about the fulfillment of any tasks," he said.
Lavrov added that Russia is holding consultations with member countries of the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) to ensure the security of Central Asia in the face of increased IS activity.
Lavrov said, "Of course, we try to persuade political circles to stop delaying negotiations and reaching an agreement on forming a transitional government. We do this within the framework of the so-called expanded troika: Russia, China, the United States, and Pakistan".
The withdrawal of NATO troops from Afghanistan began on April 29 and is to be completed in autumn according to the agreement between the United States and the Taliban movement (banned in Russia).
Situation in Syria and Iraq
Russia does not believe that the threat from IS has increased in Iraq and Syria, Lavrov added.
"As for the threat from ISIS (former name of IS - TASS), I don't think it has seriously increased in both Iraq and Syria. In both countries it was possible to prevent the implementation of the caliphate's plans," he said.
"We actively support the Iraqi government's efforts to eliminate the remaining individual terrorist groups. We can say the same for Syria," the minister added.
Lavrov pointed out that Russia legitimately helps the Syrian people in the fight against terrorism, while a number of countries have occupied parts of Syria under the pretext of fighting the terrorist threat.
GSV "Russia - Islamic World"
Photo: Russian Foreign Ministry
Based on materials from TASS