Afghanistan must be reconstructed; the situation in Afghanistan should not be allowed to collapse again, Russian Foreign Minister said on May 13 answering Asia-plus reporter’s question.
When approaching reporters, top Russian diplomat answered Asia-Plus reporter’s question.
— The situation in Afghanistan, in particular in in Panjshir, is changing not in favor of the Taliban. If Pakistan intervenes again, will the member nations of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), which are also member nations of the Collective Treaty Organization (CSTO), somehow react to this, because in essence this means that Pakistan is trying to play a major role in the issue of security?
“I can't speculate on some assumptions, but I can repeat what we have been doing in our practical policy for many months after the Taliban took power due to scuttle of the United States and its allies. We saw in what an unattractive environment this took place,” Russian foreign minister said.
“Of course, if we are talking about Afghanistan, then it must be reconstructed. The situation in Afghanistan should not be allowed to collapse, destabilize again. It will already be very hard for the Afghan people, who suffered for 20 years from the presence of NATO member nations, who have not invested a dime in an infrastructure allowing creating new jobs, reconstructing the economy, transport, communications.
“And now, of course, the international community should pay more attention to modernization of humanitarian and another aid to Afghanistan and the Afghan people.
“Of course, Americans and their allies, who have done nothing for 20 years except ensuring their military presence but in the end they could not achieve this goal, must bear the main burden of reconstruction of the country.
“As far as the position in the Panjshir, the position of external actors is concerned, we have always advocated that the current situation in Afghanistan be regulated on the basis of the national dialogue aimed at reaching agreement between all ethno-confessional and political forces of the country.
“The Taliban now – we talked to them, also on March 30 at a meeting held by our Chinese friends – claim that they have the Uzbeks, the Tajiks, and the Hazaras in the delegation, but in fact it is only an ethnic-confessional part, but there is no political inclusiveness, because all these ethnic representatives whom they involve in running the country are politically Taliban.
“Of course, it is necessary to expand this process. We are sending such a signal. Our Chinese colleagues, with whom we cooperate in various formats on the issue of Afghan settlement, share the same stance. And we encourage everyone else, including Pakistan, to participate in this process.
“We expect our allies in Tajikistan, who have significant influence in northern Afghanistan, to continue helping us achieve common goals, in the implementation of which all countries of the region are interested.”
