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Middle East and North Africa

Moscow supports Kabul’s efforts to promote dialogue with armed opposition

Moscow proceeds from the assumption that such dialogue can have positive effects only if Kabul plays a leading role

EPA/ITAR-TASS

EPA/ITAR-TASS

MOSCOW, June 19 (Itar-Tass) - Moscow supports Kabul’s efforts towards promoting dialogue with the armed opposition, the Russian Foreign Ministry said on Wednesday.

“Following the Taliban movement’s announcement on the opening of its office in Doha (Qatar) on June 18, we state that the Russian Federation steadily and consecutively supports efforts of the government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan towards promoting national reconciliation process and creating conditions for lasting stabilization in that country and the region, including those through dialogue between the High Peace Council and the armed opposition,” the ministry said.

At the same time Moscow proceeds from the assumption that “such dialogue can yield positive effects only if Kabul plays a leading role and the armed opposition unconditionally observes the main reconciliation principles - arms surrender, recognition of the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan and absolute disruption of relations with Al Qaeda and other terrorist organizations,” the ministry said.

Russia supports the government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan in its approaches to the principles of creation and operation of the Islamic militant movement’s office in Doha.

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