Russia rules out allowing the Taliban to represent Afghanistan at the United Nations

Russia's ambassador to the United Nations, Vassily Nebenzia, said on Friday that there is no hurry for anyone to recognize the Taliban movement as the ruler of Afghanistan, indicating that Moscow is not ready to allow the movement to represent Afghanistan at the United Nations.

He added that the issue of the United Nations and countries imposing sanctions on Taliban leaders should be discussed, but "maybe not immediately."

"The question of recognition will arise when the international community is sure that the promises and commitments made by the authorities will be fulfilled," Nebenzia told reporters.

The Russian ambassador refers to the Taliban's commitments since the movement toppled the Western-backed government in mid-August, including respect for human rights, especially the rights of women and girls, and the fight against terrorism and drugs.

The United Nations is considering two conflicting requests over who should represent Afghanistan to it.

The Taliban has nominated its Doha-based spokesman, Sohail Shaheen, to be Afghanistan's ambassador to the United Nations, while Ghulam Ishaqzai, who represents the government overthrown by the Taliban, is seeking to remain in his country's seat in the world body.

"When you present credentials that you submit on behalf of the head of state... If they are presented on behalf of a (head of) state who is not recognized by anyone, you should know the result for yourself," Nebenzia said.

The United Nations Credentials Committee, made up of nine member states including Russia, China and the United States, is due to consider the two conflicting requests from Afghanistan next month, with a decision likely before the end of the year.

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