'Russia may attend Taliban's govt formation ceremony if it's inclusive': FM Sergey Lavrov

Russia on Monday said that it will support new Taliban government and will participate in inauguration ceremony if it is inclusive, Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said. He suggested that new government should also include ethnic groups.

"We want to support process of formation of a government that will reflect whole spectrum of Afghan society, including Taliban and or ethnic groups apart from Pashtuns: Hazaras, Uzbeks, Tajiks. Only an inclusive government can ensure a stey transition to a new life," Lavrov said.

He ded that if inclusive government is ensured n Russia is happy to take part in ceremony with or nations that have an influence on situation in Afghanistan. Sergey Lavrov also confirmed that Moscow has received an invitation to ceremony.

Taliban invites Russia and five or countries to attend government formation.

Taliban, who is in final stages of building its government in Afghanistan, has invited Russia, China, Pakistan, Turkey and Iran to ceremony. In a press conference, Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid said that war has been ended and "y hope to have a stable Afghanistan."

Assuring an 'Islamic and inclusive government', terrorist organisation warned that if anyone takes arms, y will be considered as "enemy of state". Taliban also said that technical teams from Turkey, Qatar and UAE are “working to restart operations at Kabul airport”.

China tight-lipped on Taliban's invitation

Chinese Foreign Minister did not respond to reports of Taliban inviting m for a government formation ceremony in Kabul. Beijing, which has kept its Embassy open in Afghan capital along with Russia and Pakistan, said that it has "no information to offer at this moment."

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin reiterated that China supports “Afghanistan forming an open, inclusive, broly-based government upholding moderate and prudent domestic and foreign policies and live in good terms with neighbouring countries”.

Meanwhile, Pakistan on or hand has alrey sent a top spy to help Taliban in government formation. Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) chief Faiz Hameed also met Taliban co-founder Mullah Abdul Ghani Barar on Monday. Last month, he was also seen offering prayers with Taliban leership.