Will Not Recognise Taliban Until Group Fulfils Commitments, Says Russian FM

Russian foreign minister Sergei Lavrov said on Tuesday that Moscow will not recognise the Taliban until the group fulfils its commitments. Lavrov added that the Taliban must form an inclusive government comprising all ethnic and political groups and respect human rights.

The Russian foreign minister, however, described the Taliban as the "reality" of Afghanistan and emphasised that engagement with the group is needed.

In response to a question by Afghanistan International, Lavrov said, "We will not recognise the Taliban until it fulfils its commitments. As the countries of the world have said, these commitments include the formation of an inclusive government.”

He added, "Inclusive government not only means the presence of all ethnic groups, but also political forces. Taliban says that Uzbeks and Hazaras are also present in their government. That is true, but they are members of the Taliban group. Political forces should also have a strong presence in their government."

The Taliban has rejected the formation of a government with the presence of other political groups and has called human rights an "internal issue" of Afghanistan.