Moscow Format Talks End Without Statement Amid Afghan-Pakistani Rift

Countries met in Moscow to discuss Afghanistan, but Afghanistan and Pakistan disagreed about how to describe terrorism in a planned statement.

Afghanistan’s representatives said the draft linked their country with terrorism too often.

Pakistan’s envoy said attacks from Afghan soil were a serious problem and accused the Taliban authorities of supporting them.

Afghanistan’s foreign minister criticised Pakistan but said the neighbours should talk to solve their problems.

Russia said the meeting group could keep working even without an agreed statement.

Russia also offered to help if both countries asked.

A commentary on the meeting says the forum should pay more attention to people’s rights and inclusive government in Afghanistan.

It points to another declaration from a conference in Cambridge that calls for rights, representation, and an Afghan-led political process.

The articles also say the Moscow meeting is intended to coordinate regional cooperation, not settle disputes between the two neighbours.