TASS news agency reported on Monday that the Russian foreign ministry is considering removing the "Taliban" from the list of terrorist groups.
According to the report, the issue is being considered by the foreign ministry, the ministry of justice, and other Russian institutions.
"As for terminating the Taliban movement’s status of a terrorist organization, this issue is being considered by the Foreign Ministry, the Ministry of Justice and other specialized agencies. The final decision will be made by the country's top political leadership," the Foreign Ministry said as quoted by TASS.
The Islamic Emirate welcomed this decision from Moscow, calling it important for trust-building between the two countries.
"This will greatly enhance trust between both countries and also facilitate further cooperation in economic fields and beyond. It sends a positive message to other countries to remove similar obstacles. The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan represents a nation and has emerged as a movement for the freedom of its country,” Zabihullah Mujahid, the spokesperson for the Islamic Emirate, told TOLOnews.
However, Zamir Kabulov, Russian Special Presidential Representative for Afghanistan, told TASS news agency that Russia cooperates with the Islamic Emirate in counter-terrorism; but the Islamic Emirate says it does not need the cooperation of any country.
"We do not need the cooperation of any other country; we have enough forces to counter any kind of security threats and also have good experience in crushing and eliminating threats and insurgent groups,” Zabihullah Mujahid said.
"The fact that Russia wants to remove the Taliban from the terrorist list appears to be a form of progress, indicating that relations between the Taliban and Russia have improved and that Russia wants to lift the accusation it has placed on the Taliban, labeling them a terrorist group," said Wahid Faqiri, a political analyst.
According to TASS, Russia has invited the Islamic Emirate to the "Russia - Islamic World: Kazan Forum" which will be held from the 14th to the 19th of May of this year.
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