Allegations of support to Taliban are without evidence: Russian Embassy in Kabul

Kabul [Afghanistan], Apr 10 (ANI): The Russian Embassy in Kabul has refuted allegations made by some Afghan officials regarding the alleged support of Moscow to the Taliban group. According to a statement by the Russian Embassy, some senior Afghan officials are accusing Russia of supporting the Taliban group, emphasizing that such allegations are made without any proof or evidence, reports the Khaama Press. This comes as Afghan Presidential spokesman Shah Hussain Murtazawi said that Kabul has the sovereignty to decide the matter and that no one else has the right to dictate terms or issue instructions as Russian special envoy for Afghanistan Zamir Kabulov earlier endorsed Taliban militants group's call for the withdrawal of all foreign forces from the country. Meanwhile, U.S. officials have also expressed regarding the growing attempts by Moscow to strengthen links with the Taliban group. U.S. Defense Secretary James Mattis had said Washington is concerned regarding the ties between Moscow and Taliban group. He said Washington is informed regarding the ties between two but did not comment further regarding the alleged supply of weapons to the group by Russia. Russia's purported support for the Taliban is seen as a counter-weight to an emerging Daesh in Afghanistan, which Moscow believes could spill over into Central Asia and subsequently Russia itself. Earlier in March, Russia refuted these allegations saying they are a staged campaign to discredit the country however, However, admitting to have 'limited contacts' with the Taliban which it said was aimed at ensuring safety of Russian citizens in Afghanistan and encouraging the Taliban to join the national reconciliation process. (ANI)