Uzbek president: Afghanistan’s problems cannot be solved without Russia

MOSCOW, April 26. /TASS/. Attempts to resolve the Afghan issue without Russia have no prospects, Uzbekistan’s President Islam Karimov said at a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday

"There are certain attempts to find a solution to the Afghan issue without Russia. I believe this is wrong, the more so because no one has cancelled geography, and it’s common knowledge that Central Asia has had ties with Russia for many centuries," Karimov said.

The Uzbek leader noted that he felt Russia’s interest in cooperating with Central Asia. "We believe this is much in demand," he added.

Karimov pointed out that the war in Afghanistan is not coming to an end, and "there is no light at the end of the tunnel." "This problem requires not just an exchange of views but clarification of positions," he said.

Tensions in Afghanistan threaten neighboring countries’ security

According to the president, the tense situation in Afghanistan continues to pose a threat to the security of neighboring countries.

"The current situation in Afghanistan can be described as a smoldering standoff between the warring parties. If this confrontation persists, there will be a real risk that this instability could spill over to neighboring countries and regions," he said.

Karimov pointed to the need of Russia’s participation in resolving the situation in Afghanistan.

The Uzbek leader also said he believes it is important to resume the talks between the Afghan government and the Taliban movement. "However, the parties should not link the beginning of the negotiation process to any preconditions," he added.

Besides, Karimov said it was important for the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) to avoid being involved "in the military and political processes" in Afghanistan.