Russia’s special envoy for Afghanistan, Zamir Kabulov, on Tuesday said that Moscow would make a decision on recognizing the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan regardless of the opinion of the United States or any other country.
In an interview with “Channel One Russia” Kabulov stated that the first step toward recognition of the Islamic Emirate would the formation of an inclusive political government in Afghanistan.
“Such prospects do exist. The conditions were described by the Russian president [Vladimir Putin] and the foreign minister [Sergey Lavrov],” said Kabulov, the director of the Foreign Ministry’s Second Asian Department. “Inclusive ethnopolitical government should be the first step towards this. We make no secret of this and we say so outright to our Afghan partners. As soon as this happens, there will be the basis for a serious discussion. We will act regardless of what the United States and everybody else may think,” he said.
Meanwhile, Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, at a joint press conference in Tehran with his Iranian counterpart, said that Islamabad was concerned about the security and stability in Afghanistan. He suggested that the interim government must take steps to be more inclusive and aggressive in the fight against terrorism.
“Mr. Kabulov’s comments and the Russian president’s comments before him indicate that the Russians are attempting to engage, strengthen, and deepen relations with the Taliban,” said former diplomat Noorullah Raghi.
The Islamic Emirate welcomed Kabulov’s statement.
“We welcome Kabulov’s remarks about his readiness to recognize the Afghan government. The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, as it has always emphasized, wants a formal interaction with the international community, particularly the Russian Federation, and unnecessary obstacles should not prevent Afghanistan and the international community from beginning their interaction,” said Inamullah Samangani, deputy spokesman for the Islamic Emirate.
These statements were made as the Islamic Emirate is still not recognized by any countries. The process of recognizing the government was allegedly proceeding silently, according to Kabul.
“Ethnic political inclusiveness is needed. They might lose power in the near future if they keep acting like that. They will have to ensure inclusiveness. By the way, we say this without ultimatums, calmly – just do it. They will have to do it,” Kabulov said.
He put the blame for the Afghanistan humanitarian crisis on the Western nations. While asked if Moscow was willing to provide a loan to Afghanistan, the Russian envoy responded that his country’s priority is to provide humanitarian assistance to the Afghans.
“We can, of course, if (Russian) President (Vladimir Putin) decides. But you understand, have we got some extra money? Let us be careful with this. Our priority is the provision of humanitarian aid, food supplies, the provision of specific products and other essentials. Things due to what the Afghan people can survive this winter,” Kabulov said
The Islamic Emirate reacted to the Russian envoy’s remarks regarding Afghanistan and said that the Afghan government was inclusive.
“The Islamic Emirate has an inclusive policy. You know that the government is in a process of being completed, we are trying to fill the vacuums and have a government complete in all aspects,” said Bilal Karimi, deputy spokesman for the Islamic Emirate.
Political analysts said that the government’s leadership needs to be inclusive.
“All Afghans have the right to be part of the government and serve their country. Afghanistan is not a country limited to one certain tribe or aspect,” said Hussien Haqyar, a political analyst.
“An inclusive government that is formed of expert and loyal people is needed in Afghanistan,” said Omran Afghan, a political analyst.
