Several European countries are contemplating the possibility of reopening their embassies in Afghanistan, as it was reported by TASS, citing sources from Bloomberg.
Officials in Brussels have begun acknowledging the necessity of establishing diplomatic missions in Afghanistan. The primary motives behind this move include the protection of women's rights and maintaining a strategic presence in the region. Currently, only the EU representative office operates in Afghanistan, while individual European countries shut down their embassies following the Taliban's return to power.
Italy's Initiative
Italy is at the forefront of these diplomatic considerations. Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani has indicated that Italy is exploring the reopening of its embassy in Afghanistan. Recently, the Italian Ambassador to Qatar made a visit to Kabul, signaling Italy's intention to re-establish its diplomatic presence.
“We are working on this. Solving the problem is very difficult, it will take time,”
Tajani mentioned during an interview on the sidelines of the NATO summit in Washington.
Spain's Approach
Spain is adopting a similar stance. Currently, the Spanish ambassador to Afghanistan operates from Qatar for security reasons. Madrid plans to return its ambassador to Kabul once the security conditions improve. Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albarez stated,
“As soon as the minimum security conditions are met, we will return our ambassador. We were ready a month ago, but, unfortunately, then ISIS terrorists killed three Spaniards in Afghanistan.”
While Italy and Spain are actively considering reopening their embassies, French, British, and German officials have indicated a more cautious approach. They do not plan to open their missions in Kabul in the near future. However, a French official conceded that the absence of a diplomatic mission in Afghanistan "cannot last indefinitely." UK officials echoed this sentiment, expressing that they would explore the possibility of returning diplomats to Afghanistan "as soon as security and political conditions allow."
The U.S. Stance
In contrast, the United States has no plans to officially recognize the Taliban government or resume the operations of its embassy in Afghanistan. An unnamed high-ranking official in the American administration confirmed this position to Bloomberg, emphasizing the continued reluctance to engage diplomatically with the Taliban regime.
Western countries, including those in Europe and the United States, closed their diplomatic missions in 2021 following the withdrawal of U.S. troops from Afghanistan and the Taliban's takeover of Kabul. Despite this, the European Union has maintained a presence in the country. The High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy of the EU, Josep Borrell, noted that the EU left several diplomats in Afghanistan to manage humanitarian aid distribution among the population.
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