The fight against the Taliban and Al Qaeda has national, regional and international dimensions, said Russian Permanent Representative to the UN Vitaly Churkin addressing an open meeting of the UN Security Council devoted to the situation in Afghanistan.

“Consequently, the national reconciliation process must not contradict the UN Security Council resolutions, including the imposition of sanctions on the Taliban and Al Qaeda,” he said.

Moscow, according to the Russian ambassador, supports national reconciliation in Afghanistan but opposes the setting up special terms for removing the so-called reconciled Taliban militants from the UN Consolidated List. “Who can guarantee they will not resume their activity in the past?” Churkin questioned.

If the Afghan leaders consider it is expedient to establish contacts with the former militants, then such a dialogue should be conducted only with those who surrendered weapons and recognize the government and the constitution of Afghanistan and broke off their ties with al-Qaeda, said the Russian diplomat.  

Vitaly Churkin also expressed concern over worsening security situation in Afghanistan. “Growing terrorist activity by Taliban and al-Qaeda remains to be the key destabilizing factor,” the Russian diplomat emphasized.

Vitaly Churkin urged the NATO-led forces to avert civilian casualties when they carry out operations.

On the eve, Moscow pointed to the worsening situation in Afghanistan. The participants of the Russian Foreign Ministry board meeting on the 29th of September concluded that the activity of foreign forces in Afghanistan had failed to achieve favourable results in the region. “Differences remain between the Afghan government and the legal opposition that expresses dissatisfaction over the outcome of the August 20 presidential and local council elections in the country,” says the Foreign Ministry.

The Foreign Ministry meeting approved several steps aimed at implementing Russia’s foreign policy strategy towards Afghanistan, defending the country’s interests in Afghanistan and promoting friendship and cooperation with the new government in the country.

“Russia has confirmed its adherence to building strong, independent, democratic and economically independent state in Afghanistan. It plans to continue to assist in promoting social and economic reconstruction and development, military and political stability, fight against drug trafficking and terrorism,” a Foreign Ministry statement released after the meeting says.