Russia says recognition of Taliban is not on the table at this juncture

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International recognition of the Taliban “at the present juncture is not on the table,” Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said at a press conference on Saturday at the sidelines of the United Nations.</p>
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"What's most important, is to ensure that the promises that they have proclaimed publicly, are kept," Lavrov said.</p>
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This comes as a major setback for the Taliban as they are desperately seeking international recognition and have been going out of their way to get the support of Russia. </p>
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Among the Taliban’s promises are ensuring an inclusive government and respecting human rights, especially those of women. They have also pledged that they will not let Afghanistan become a haven for terrorists.</p>
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But the interim Taliban government, Lavrov said, fails to reflect "the whole gamut of Afghan society — ethno-religious and political forces . We are engaging in talks which  are ongoing, he added.</p>
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Lavrov said Russia, the United States, China and Pakistan are working to hold the Taliban to the promises they made when they seized control of Afghanistan in mid-August.</p>
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He also said that the withdrawal of US and NATO forces “was carried out without any consideration of the consequences. There are many weapons still left in Afghanistan”. It remains critical that such weapons are not used for destructive purposes,” he added.</p>
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On Iran, Lavrov said there was a need for greater effort on the part of the U.S. to rejoin the deal.</p>
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"It seems evident they should be more active" in "resolving all issues related" to the accord, Lavrov told reporters, according to an AFP report.</p>