‘Hasty withdrawal’ put Afghanistan at risk
Russia yesterday blamed the "hasty withdrawal" of US and Nato troops for a rapid deterioration in Afghanistan's security and warned of instability spreading to neighbouring countries.
Taliban insurgents in Afghanistan have capitalised on the last stages of the withdrawal of foreign troops to launch offensives, capturing a swath of districts and border crossings, and encircling provincial capitals.
"In recent days we have unfortunately seen a rapid deterioration of the situation in Afghanistan," Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said in comments carried by Russian news agencies.
Lavrov said the crisis had increased the threat of terrorism and worsened problems surrounding drug trafficking, which he said had reached "an unprecedented level".
His comments came as the US State Department said the United States, Afghanistan, Pakistan and Uzbekistan formed a new diplomatic platform to support peace and stability in Afghanistan and foster regional trade and business ties.
Meanwhile, a delegation of Afghan political leaders led by top peace official Abdullah Abdullah left for Qatar yesterday to attempt to breathe life into stalled talks with the Taliban as violence escalates around the country.
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