Afghan Diplomatic Missions Warn of Negative Impact of Status Changes

The Coordination Council of the Diplomatic and Consular Missions of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan has warned of the "negative consequences" of altering the current status of these missions.

Earlier, Afghanistan International reported that some European countries are exerting pressure to close Afghan embassies.

On Wednesday, Afghanistan International, citing credible sources, reported that some European countries have discussed a recent letter from the Taliban's Ministry of Foreign Affairs with Afghan ambassadors.

Closing Afghan embassies in Europe was one of the topics of these discussions.

Sources indicate that the Taliban's Ministry of Foreign Affairs sent a letter on July 30 to all countries hat had not yet transferred control of Afghan embassies to the group.

The letter declared that the assignments of the previous government’s ambassadors had concluded, asserting that these individuals no longer represent the Taliban and that their activities no longer carry any legitimacy with the group.

On Thursday, August 29, the Coordination Council of Diplomatic and Consular Missions of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan issued a statement highlighting their concerns that any changes to the current status of these missions could lead to negative consequences.

They warned that such changes might include the cessation of critical consular services for a large segment of the Afghan diaspora in Europe and beyond.

The council stated that the Taliban's dismissal of the consular services provided by 14 Afghan political and consular missions in European countries, Canada, and Australia as baseless and legally invalid.

This council, which consists of diplomats from the former Afghan government, said that given the Taliban's increasingly aggressive behaviour and disregard for the fundamental rights of citizens and Afghanistan's international obligations, there is an urgent need for increased pressure on the Taliban to change its repressive policies against the people.

The diplomatic missions of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan warned host countries that any concessions in response to the Taliban's illegitimate demands would have detrimental consequences and would enable the group to further pursue its illegal objectives.

The missions stated that they are ready to cooperate with host countries to find practical solutions to the technical and consular challenges in accordance with accepted international standards and practices.

Earlier, the Taliban's Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that the consular services of 14 Afghan political and consular missions in European countries, Canada, and Australia are invalid.

In August, the Taliban's Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced its recognised missions in Spain, the Netherlands, Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, and Munich, Germany.

The ministry also urged Afghan citizens residing in Europe to seek consular services from these missions.