UK not ready to recognize Taliban despite regular talks: Minister

A Foreign Office minister stated that Britain is still cautious about recognizing the Taliban and is “some way off” from doing so, even though there are regular discussions between officials from both sides.

Andrew Mitchell emphasized that the UK Government maintains a “pragmatic dialogue” with the Taliban and believes in continuing to exert pressure on them to alter their approach.

He also mentioned that the government will carefully consider calls to reopen the UK embassy in Afghanistan, but he highlighted that due to the current security and political conditions, it is not feasible to re-establish diplomatic representation in Kabul.

Mr. Mitchell responded to renewed appeals from former Conservative minister Tobias Ellwood, who urged the UK to re-engage with Taliban-led Afghanistan due to concerns about a potential “looming” economic, humanitarian, or terrorism crisis.

Last summer, Mr. Ellwood faced criticism for asserting that security in Afghanistan had “vastly improved” and that corruption had decreased following the Taliban’s return to power.

British Deputy Foreign Minister stated that the Taliban have increasingly adopted “repressive” policies that have a “destructive impact” on Afghan women, children, as well as ethnic and religious minorities.

A senior official from the British Foreign Ministry mentioned that they will consider the “request [from Tobias Ellwood] for the reopening of the embassy and continue to assess it.”

He added, “Our intention since August 2021 [the fall of Kabul] was that if political and security conditions permit, we will revive our diplomatic presence in Kabul. We still do not believe that the conditions are favorable, but our officials will continue to travel to Kabul, and this matter is under review.”

He stressed that they “must engage in pragmatic dialogue with the Taliban, but it does not mean recognition of this group. We will continue to exert pressure to change the behavior of the Taliban.”

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