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Published: 14:04, October 20, 2021 | Updated: 00:07, October 21, 2021
Russia urges major foreign aid for Taliban-ruled Afghanistan
By Agencies
Published:14:04, October 20, 2021 Updated:00:07, October 21, 2021 By Agencies

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov gives a speech at the opening of an international conference on Afghanistan with Taliban representatives in Moscow on Oct 20, 2021. (HANDOUT / RUSSIAN FOREIGN MINISTRY / AFP)

Russia called for major international aid to help the Taliban control the situation in Afghanistan on Wednesday as it hosted the Islamic movement for the first time since the chaotic US withdrawal in August brought it to power.

A meeting in Moscow attended by the Taliban and 10 countries with interests in the region called on the United Nations to hold a donor conference for Afghanistan.

A meeting in Moscow attended by the Taliban and 10 countries with interests in the region called on the United Nations to hold a donor conference for Afghanistan

It’s time to “mobilize the resources of the international community to provide Kabul with effective financial, economic and humanitarian help,” said Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov. 

He cautioned, though that a lasting solution to the crisis gripping the country depends on the Taliban inviting other political forces into the government.

“There is a new administration in power and this indisputable fact puts a great responsibility on the Taliban,” Lavrov said. 

“We note their efforts to stabilize the military-political situation in the country but a lasting peace remains to be achieved. This depends above all on the establishment of a genuinely inclusive government.”

ALSO READ: US State Dept watchdog to review end of Afghanistan operations

While Russia kept its embassy open in Kabul as Western governments scrambled to evacuate their diplomats, it hasn’t recognized the Taliban’s rule as it continues to push for wider participation in the governing of the country. 

A deputy prime minister of that government, Abdul Salam Hanafi, said that the new authorities in Kabul tried to include “all ethnic groups and factions of Afghan society” in the ruling body. Hanafi said they are ready to further adjust the political structure and called on the international community to accept the legitimacy of the Taliban’s rule.

The US which previously took part in the so-called “Moscow Format” talks, didn’t participate this time because of the resignation of US envoy to Afghanistan Zalmay Khalilzad. He’s been replaced by his deputy, Tom West.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has urged the US to gradually unfreeze Afghan assets, warning that the lack of funds may push the Taliban into arms- and drug-trafficking.

The European Union earlier this month announced a billion euro ($1.16 billion) emergency humanitarian aid package.

ALSO READ: US says Kabul drone strike killed 10 civilians in 'tragic mistake'

Putin last week told counterparts from the ex-Soviet Union that there’s a real threat of an upsurge in extremist activity in the region following the Taliban takeover. Russia estimates that there are 2,000 Islamic State fighters massed in northern Afghanistan whose leaders are planning to spread their influence to central Asian states and Russian regions, he said.

Amid security fears, Russia is organizing an evacuation flight for its citizens, the state-run Tass news service reported, citing the Russian ambassador in Afghanistan.

Meanwhile, at least two people were wounded in a bomb attack in the Afghan capital on Wednesday morning, the Ministry of Interior confirmed.

At least two people were wounded in a bomb attack in the Afghan capital on Wednesday morning, the Ministry of Interior confirmed

A hand grenade was hurled from the Kabul Zoo towards Taliban security forces stationed in Dehmazang Square, Dehmazang locality in Police district 3 of Kabul, spokesperson Qari Saeed Khosty wrote on his social media account.

He said a search operation was launched to nap the culprits behind the attack.

However, local residents said the explosion was an Improvised Explosive Device blast targeting a Taliban pickup truck that was passing by the traffic circle near the Kabul police headquarters.

"The explosion occurred roughly at 7:50 am local time with a big bang, causing panic among the people and sending a gray smoke to the sky," a witness told Xinhua.

At least one person was killed and seven others, including three students, were wounded, he said.

No group has claimed responsibility for the attack yet.

The security situation has remained generally calm but uncertain across Afghanistan since the Taliban's takeover in mid-August.

READ MORE: At least 35 killed in blast at Shi'ite mosque in Kandahar

However, deadly bomb attacks have been staged by Islamic State-affiliated militants in several Afghan provinces in recent weeks.

On Friday, at least 47 worshippers were killed and 90 others wounded after two IS militants launched suicide bomb attacks inside a mosque in Kandahar city, capital of southern Kandahar province.






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