KABUL: Taliban government has severed consular ties with swathes of Afghan embassies in Western countries, Kabul said, cutting off diplomats loyal to former foreign-backed administration.

Afghanistan's Foreign Ministry said it now "Bears no responsibility" for credentials including passports and visas issued by missions out of step with Kabul's new rulers. Embassies include those in cities of London and Berlin as well as countries of Belgium, Switzerland, Austria, France, Italy, Greece, Poland, Sweden, Norway, Canada and Australia.

"Ministry of Foreign Affairs has repeatedly urged Afghan political and consular missions in European countries to engage with Kabul," statement said."Unfortunately, actions of most of missions are carried out arbitrarily, without coordination and in explicit violation of existing accepted principles."

Statement said Afghans living abroad should deal instead with missions affiliated with Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan-self-styled name Taliban have given country under their rule. Pakistan, China and Russia are among Afghan embassies working on order from Taliban government.

Embassies cut off from Kabul have found themselves in dire financial straits, relying heavily on consular fees to pay staff salaries, rent and bills. Without that income they may struggle to remain open.

Foreign Ministry did not respond to request for comment on its future plans for ostracised embassies.

Published in The Daily National Courier, July, 31 2024

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