Russia is closely watching the rapidly changing situation in Afghanistan, where the Taliban (banned in the Russian Federation) fighters occupied the capital the day before, Russian Permanent Representative to the United Nations Vasily Nebenzya said on Monday, noting that Moscow will coordinate its policy toward the Taliban based on their actions and the evolving situation.
"We are closely watching the rapidly changing situation in Afghanistan," he said during a UN Security Council meeting. - "We have all received disturbing news of escalating violence and casualties. At the same time, we have seen that major Afghan cities have been surrendered without much resistance." The diplomat noted that the Russian side will be guided in its actions by the actions of the Taliban. "As for further official steps with regard to the Taliban we will decide on these steps depending on the situation development and their specific actions," he stated.
Nebenzya also stressed that Russia "remains concerned about the continuing terrorist threat in the country" and the huge flow of refugees from the country, with whom terrorist fighters can infiltrate into neighboring states. "Numerous reports on the number of internally displaced persons and the flow of refugees out of the country are a cause for concern. This creates an additional burden on neighboring republics, including Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Iran and Pakistan, not to mention the risk of infiltration of militants, including in the guise of refugees," he added.
In conclusion, the diplomat called on all parties involved "to refrain from armed action and facilitate a peaceful settlement," and added that Tehran could join in resolving the crisis in Afghanistan. "We assume that the international community is obliged not to give up its efforts to help Afghanistan achieve national reconciliation, which, in particular, the extended troika of Russia, the United States, China and Pakistan have been actively engaged in. We believe that Iran could also play an important role in this," summed up Nebenzya.
GSV "Russia - Islamic World"
Photo: Zuma \ TASS
Based on materials from TASS