Russia might recognize Taliban if they form inclusive Afghan govt - Lavrov

MOSCOW. April 26 (Interfax) - Russia intends to move toward recognizing the Taliban (a terrorist organization banned in Russia) as the legitimate authorities in Afghanistan as long as they ensure political inclusivity, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said on Tuesday.

"We want to work toward the full-scale diplomatic recognition of the new authorities in Afghanistan, as long as it is understood that they deliver on their promise and set up an inclusive government not only from the ethnic and religious standpoint [...] but it is precisely political inclusivity that should determine our steps to follow," Lavrov said at a press conference following negotiations with United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres in Moscow.