The Taliban, which currently holds power in Afghanistan, has formally requested the United Nations (UN) to replace the Afghan representative within the international organization. This appeal was reported by TOLOnews, with Zabihullah Mujahid, a Taliban representative, making the request.
As it stands, the UN still acknowledges the diplomatic staff appointed by the previous Afghan government, which was ousted by the Taliban more than two years ago. The Taliban's request for representation at the UN underscores the diplomatic complexities associated with Afghanistan's international relations.
Zabihullah Mujahid emphasized that not granting a UN seat to the Taliban would be perceived as an affront to the Afghan people. He outlined the ideological differences between the Taliban and the UN, stating,
"This organization has specific goals. And we go the other way, that is, independence, freedom, and the Islamic system. Of course, their (UN) path is different from ours, but it will be a great injustice to the people of Afghanistan if the government formed by the Afghan people and the Taliban is not handed over (representative position at the UN)."
The situation became complicated when, on December 16, 2021, Afghanistan's mission to the UN was led by Ghulam Ishaqzai, who had been appointed when the former government held power in Kabul. His resignation followed the Taliban's ascendancy, and Nasir Ahmed Faik assumed leadership of the Afghan representative office at the UN.
The UN's predicament lies in the fact that it cannot make concessions to the Taliban and change the composition of the Afghan mission. The reason is that the Taliban's government remains unrecognized by any country in the world, posing a diplomatic conundrum.
Nonetheless, it is important to note that representatives of the unrecognized Taliban have been managing local diplomatic missions in several countries, including Iran, Russia, China, Pakistan, and Turkmenistan. These diplomatic offices facilitate limited international engagement with the Taliban.
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