Russia Says Lasting Peace & Stability Impossible Without Engagement With Taliban

Evgeny Viktorov, Russia's representative at the UN, Human Rights Council on Tuesday said that achieving lasting peace and stability in Afghanistan is not possible without engaging with the Taliban, particularly on human rights issues.

Viktorov emphasised on the formation of an inclusive government with the participation of ethnic representatives in Afghanistan.

At the 56th session of the UN Human Rights Council, the Russian representative said, that Moscow is closely monitoring the economic and human rights situation, including the status of Afghan women and girls in education and employment.

Viktorov reiterated the importance of forming an inclusive government in Afghanistan and said, "A very important issue is the formation of a fully inclusive government in Afghanistan with the participation of representatives from all ethnic groups and minorities in the country."

He attributed the current situation in Afghanistan to the "irresponsible withdrawal" of international forces from the country, stating that the Taliban inherited Afghanistan with a multitude of problems.

Viktorov added that Afghanistan's complete dependency on international aid over the past twenty years has worsened the country's economic situation.

He also said that international sanctions against the Taliban have brought Afghanistan very close to a humanitarian disaster.