Afghanistan should eliminate all the terrorist groups

New Delhi: While the Taliban grip is tightening over Afghanistan, Russia organised the fourth Afghanistan-related conference. All neighbouring countries of Afghanistan, including India and certain Middle East countries, participated in this conference held in the Russian capital Moscow. The joint declaration issued on the occasion of the conference demanded that there should be an inclusive government in Afghanistan and that Afghanistan should eliminate all forms of terrorism from Afghan land. In the joint statement, a demand for the release of the Afghan assets frozen by the United States and other western countries has also been made.

It has been more than a year since the Taliban took over Afghanistan’s control. But even today, no country has recognised the Taliban regime. The Taliban has still not announced an inclusive government, security for minorities and the right to education for girls acceding to the demand made by the international community. Just a few days ago, the Taliban announced implementing of the Islamic system in Afghanistan. But Afghanistan has assured not to allow the use of Afghan land for terrorist activities against any country.

Against this background, Russia organised this Afghanistan-related conference. Russian foreign ministry released the joint statement of the conference. The declaration spells out the expectations of the international community from Afghanistan. Afghanistan should take stern action against all terrorist groups. The statement notes that Afghanistan will have to decimate the terror groups so they cannot rise again. It is also clarified that Russia and other allies are willing to assist Afghanistan in the process.

Meanwhile, the relations between the Taliban and the United States seem to have festered again, and skirmishes have been reported between the Taliban and Pakistan armies. Reports have been received that the Taliban is taking the initiative to increase cooperation with Russia in this scenario. This increases the importance of the conference organised by Russia.