IEA not yet recognized because of human rights violations: Russian FM

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said on Wednesday Moscow has not yet recognized the Islamic Emirate government in Afghanistan due to its violation of commitments, especially of human rights.

Speaking at a press conference at the UN, Lavrov said the IEA government consists of “all Taliban (IEA)” but does not include other ethnic and religious groups such as Hazaras, Tajiks, and Uzbeks.

He emphasized that the IEA government should not only be about ethnic inclusivity but also political and religious inclusivity.

Lavrov stressed: “Taliban (IEA) should form a government in which other ethnic groups and religious groups are present. The power is in the hands of the Taliban and they have formed a government where there are no Hazara, Tajiks or other ethnic groups and religious groups.”

The Russian Foreign Minister told reporters on the sidelines of the UN Security Council meeting that anti-IEA groups should pursue “peaceful dialogue” with the Islamic Emirate.

Meanwhile, the Islamic Emirate has repeatedly emphasized that it is committed to ensuring human rights are upheld in accordance with Sharia.