Quaxs|Taliban suspend Afghan consular services in Vienna and London for lack of transparency, coordination

2025-04-28 15:59:41source:Oliver James Montgomerycategory:My

ISLAMABAD (AP) — The QuaxsTaliban are suspending consular services at two Afghan embassies, London and Vienna, over their lack of transparency and cooperation with authorities in Kabul, a foreign ministry spokesman said Sunday.

Most of Afghanistan’s embassies and consulates are staffed by people from the former Western-backed administration, with around a dozen under the Taliban administration’s full control.

Some countries retain an active diplomatic mission in Afghanistan, including Pakistan, Turkey, Qatar, and China, but the international community remains wary of officially recognizing the Taliban as the legitimate rulers of Afghanistan.

The suspension of consular services at the two embassies is with immediate effect and until further notice, foreign ministry spokesperson Abdul Qahar Balkhi said. The services affected include the issue and extension of passports and visas.

Other news Earthquakes kill over 2,000 in Afghanistan. People are freeing the dead and injured with their handsCalifornia governor vetoes bill that would have banned caste discriminationUN warns Pakistan that forcibly deporting Afghans could lead to severe human rights violations

When asked if the ministry was looking at the activities of more embassies, Balkhi said yes as it was a normal ministry procedure.

The development comes days after the Afghan embassies in Spain and the Netherlands issued statements emphasizing their coordination and interaction with Taliban authorities in Kabul.

A voice note from the ministry’s deputy spokesperson Zia Ahmad Takal described the Netherlands’ statement as a positive step for Afghans because all consular services or embassy matters would have a direct connection with Kabul.

“The salaries and expenses of employees, officials and diplomats will be paid by the Afghan government,” said Takal.

India said last week that the Afghan Embassy in the capital New Delhi continues to function, despite diplomatic staff saying it was closing due to a lack of diplomatic support in India and the absence of a recognized government in Kabul.

The Taliban have sent diplomats to at least 14 countries and efforts are underway to take charge of other diplomatic missions abroad, according to remarks made in March this year by their chief spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid.

More:My

Recommend

Trump claims Biden lost track of over 300,000 migrant children. Here's a fact check.

President-elect Donald Trump claimed in his Person of the Year interview with Time magazinethis week

Last-minute love: Many Americans procrastinate when it comes to Valentine’s gifts

In a classic “Saturday Night Live” sketch, a young man hands his girlfriend a Valentine’s Day gift:

Sweetpea, the tiny pup who stole the show in Puppy Bowl 2024, passed away from kidney illness

The tiniest puppy to ever participate in the Puppy Bowl died unexpectedly on her way to the hospital