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

Taliban are suspending consular services at two Afghan embassies, London and Vienna, over ir 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 former Western-backed ministration, with around a dozen under Taliban ministration’s full control.

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

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

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

development comes days after Afghan embassies in Spain and Nerlands issued statements emphasizing ir coordination and interaction with Taliban authorities in Kabul.

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

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

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

Taliban have sent diplomats to at least 14 countries and efforts are underway to take charge of or diplomatic missions abro, according to remarks me in March this year by ir chief spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid.