Taliban Sever Ties with Afghan Embassies, Including Greece

The Taliban government has cut consular ties with several Afghan embassies in Western countries, including Greece, severing connections with diplomats loyal to the former administration.

This move follows the 2021 Taliban takeover, which left diplomats in limbo after the collapse of the previous government.

Afghanistan's foreign ministry announced that it "bears no responsibility" for credentials issued by missions not aligned with the new Taliban rulers. Affected embassies include those in Athens, as well as cities like London, Berlin, and countries such as France, Italy, and Canada.

The ministry urged Afghan missions in Europe to engage with Kabul, criticising many for acting "arbitrarily" without proper coordination. It advised Afghans abroad to deal with missions affiliated with the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, the name the Taliban have given to the country under their rule.

Embassies cut off from Kabul are facing financial difficulties, relying on consular fees to operate. Without this income, their ability to remain open is uncertain. The foreign ministry did not comment on future plans for these embassies.

The Taliban's bid to be Afghanistan's sole representatives on the international stage continues, despite being denied an ambassador to the United Nations. At recent UN-hosted talks in Doha, the Taliban represented Afghanistan, excluding civil society groups, including women's activists.

(Source: Associated Press)