No Specific Expectations From Relations with Russia, Says Taliban Official

Sahar stated that a new book is being prepared and will be distributed to teach both forms of jurisprudence.

In an official letter addressed to the education departments of seven districts in Bamiyan, it has not been specified which jurisprudence textbooks should be collected. However, sources from Bamiyan told Afghanistan International that the process of collecting Shia jurisprudence books from schools began in recent days.

Similarly, sources from Balkh province in northern Afghanistan reported that the process of collecting Jafari jurisprudence educational books from schools in parts of this province has also started.

Previously, the Taliban halted the teaching of Jafari jurisprudence in universities and higher education institutions in Afghanistan.

In the past three years, resuming the teaching of Jafari jurisprudence in educational and higher education centres has been one of the main demands of the Shia Ulama Council from the Taliban.

However, in March 2023, the Taliban's Ministry of Higher Education formally rejected the Shia Ulama Council of Afghanistan's request to include Jafari jurisprudence in the educational curriculum.

The Taliban ministry justified its decision in a leadership council meeting resolution, stating that accepting this request would lead other sects in Afghanistan to also demand separate curriculums.

Earlier, the network reported that a delegation from the Taliban's Ministry of Justice entered its building on Thursday afternoon to stop its broadcasts.

Tamadon TV posted on its social media platform X that shortly after the delegation arrived to halt the broadcasts, and following some contact with Taliban officials, the delegation announced "the delay for suspension of Tamadon TV broadcasts until Saturday."

Sources informed Afghanistan International that a delegation from the Taliban's Ministry of Justice went to Tamadon TV's office in Kabul to cut off its broadcasts. Simultaneously, a ticker ran during the broadcasts stating, "It is likely that this media's broadcasts will be cut off within minutes."

Sources said that the Taliban "raided the Tamadon TV building on Thursday afternoon without prior notice to stop its broadcasts." The Taliban has not yet commented on this matter, and the reasons for suspending the broadcasts of this private media outlet remain unclear.

In 2022, armed Taliban members also raided the Tamadon TV building in Kabul. According to reports, the Taliban forces left the media outlet after half an hour of "intimidation.” At that time, Taliban members told the TV officials that it was a "mix-up."

Tamadon is a private television network established in 2006 by Asif Mohseni, a Shia religious leader.

Kabulov affirmed that Moscow supports Afghanistan’s accession to the organisation even prior to recognising the Taliban.

However, he noted that Afghanistan must stabilise its economy for other SCO members to back its inclusion.

The Russian envoy acknowledged that the SCO is primarily an economic organisation, and Afghanistan can join by improving its economic situation.

Previously, Russian President Vladimir Putin had emphasised on the formation of an inclusive government with the participation of all ethnic groups in Afghanistan. Putin stressed on the importance of ensuring that all United Nations-level agreements, including the formation of an inclusive government, are implemented.

On Tuesday, in Saint Petersburg, Putin also highlighted the importance of maintaining relations with the Taliban.

He explained that Uzbekistan’s main challenge is access to the seas, stating, “There are various options here, including developing logistics through Afghan territory.”

Putin emphasised that stability in Afghanistan is crucial for both Uzbekistan and Russia in this regard.

Putin stated that it is essential to ensure the implementation of all agreements at the UN level, including a government with the participation of all ethnic groups in Afghanistan.

On Tuesday, in Saint Petersburg, Putin also emphasised on the importance of maintaining relations with the Taliban.

During a meeting with media executives in Saint Petersburg, the Russian President mentioned that during his trip to Tashkent, he discussed Afghanistan with Shavkat Mirziyoyev, the President of Uzbekistan.

He explained that one of Uzbekistan's challenges is access to the seas. "There are various options here, including developing logistics through Afghan territory," he said.

He further stressed that stability in Afghanistan is crucial for both Uzbekistan and Russia.

Putin said, "We must ensure that all agreements at the UN level are implemented, including a government with the participation of all ethnic groups in Afghanistan. This is a delicate and very important issue. But we need to establish relations with the Taliban."

Putin added, "We need to improve relations with the neighbouring country somehow, especially since Uzbekistan has a long border, and we need to ensure security and, I repeat, develop logistics."

A few days ago, during his visit to Tashkent, the Russian President also emphasised on the need to establish relations with the Taliban, as the group controls Afghanistan and its territories.

Putin stated, "We must act considering this reality and adjust our relations accordingly."

Without elaborating on the existing problems in Afghanistan, Putin said, "Everyone is aware of them."

However, the Russian President added that how to establish relations with the current power, the Taliban, is another question, but there must be some form of relationship with them.

He mentioned consulting with regional partners, including in Central Asia, regarding relations with the Taliban and said that they take into account the opinions of each of their partners and friends and will be coordinated on this issue.

In a statement, the Norwegian government said that women and girls in Afghanistan are at risk and Norway needs contact with the Taliban to support them.

On Tuesday, the Norwegian government in a statement added that its total aid to Afghanistan in 2024 will amount to 550 million krone (approximately 52 million USD).

The government assured that this financial aid will not fall into the hands of the Taliban, but will be channeled through international organisations.

Espen Barth Eide, Norway's Minister of Foreign Affairs, stated in the announcement, "It is important to continue our commitments to Afghanistan. In Afghanistan, women and girls are at risk and need support. Therefore, we need to communicate with the Taliban to clearly express our views on their unacceptable treatment of women and girls."

In May, Norway hosted several members of civil society, women's rights activists, and Taliban representatives. This policy of hosting and dialogue has been criticised by opponents of the Taliban as Norway's disregard for the Taliban's behaviour and policies.

The statement quoted the Norwegian Minister of International Development, who said, "Afghans are suffering from a prolonged humanitarian crisis. According to UN estimates, nearly 23 million people need humanitarian assistance."

The Norwegian official also mentioned the casualties and damages caused by floods in northern and western Afghanistan, emphasising on the importance of addressing the situation of internally displaced persons and refugees in Afghanistan and neighbouring countries.

Norway stated that its aid will be delivered through the Red Cross, the United Nations, and other international relief agencies, focusing on education, health, migrants, and internally displaced persons.