Russia analyzing possible deliveries of humanitarian aid to Afghanistan - Foreign Ministry

MOSCOW. Sept 2 (Interfax) - Russia is analyzing the possibility of delivering humanitarian aid to Afghanistan, Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova said on Thursday.

"We are somewhat concerned about the escalation of socioeconomic tensions in Afghanistan due to the suspension of financial, material and technical assistance from conventional donors among Western countries. Uncertainty persists regarding the resumption of operations of government institutions and banks, and discontent about the Taliban [banned in Russia] movement's policy is building up in Kabul and other major cities because of growing prices for primary necessities and fuel," Zakharova said at a news briefing on Thursday.

"In this context, we call on the international community to take effective measures to prevent a humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan. For our part, we're analyzing the possibility of delivering Russian humanitarian aid to Kabul," she said.

As far as Russia is concerned, the Taliban "are taking steps aimed at forming a new political system in the country," she said.

"That said, we favor the soonest possible formation of an inclusive coalition government involving all ethno-political forces in Afghanistan, including ethnic minorities," she said.

She mentioned a statement by a high-ranking Taliban representative calling on foreign diplomatic missions that have left the country to resume their work.

"This message demonstrates the Taliban leadership's willingness to develop ties with the international community," she said.